Patsy Ann Gray, a beloved mother, grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away on May 24, 2026, at the Lynchburg Nursing Center at the age of 88. Services to honor her life will be held at 1 PM Friday, May 29, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Wiser officiating. Burial will follow in Stewart Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Friday from 11 AM until the time of the service.
Patsy was born on August 10, 1937, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late William Earl Sisk and Nannie Sue Richardson Sisk. She was a proud graduate of the Central High School Class of 1955. Passionate about learning, she went on to earn her degree in education from Berry College and later obtained her Master’s Degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
Patsy dedicated her professional life to shaping future generations. She began her teaching career at Vanntown School, followed by Flintville School, and finally Eighth District School. She truly loved molding young minds and treasured the joy, energy, and laughter of the classroom.
After her retirement, Patsy remained deeply connected to her community. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards with friends, and regularly meeting her high school classmates for lunch. She and her husband, Billy, stayed active for many years, thoroughly enjoying their daily “breakfast club” at the Patrick Rehab and Wellness Center, where the socializing was just as important as the exercise.
A woman of deep faith, Patsy was a lifelong member of the Molino Church of Christ until its closure, after which she became a faithful member of the Liberty Church of Christ. Above all else, Patsy loved her community, her lifelong friends, and her family.
Survivors include her daughters, Hope (Dan) DeJarnatt and Allison (Cory) Holder; grandchildren, Laura (Johnny) Stevens, Drew (Kathryn) Ivey, Austin Bagby, and Malachi Holder; great-grandchildren, Cooper Stevens, Hayden Ivey, Charlie Ivey, Rhett Ivey, Drew (Lexi) Stevens; and great-great-grandchildren, Bonnie and Teddy Stevens; as well as many extended family members.
In addition to her parents, Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Gene Gray; sisters, Jean Brooks, Louise Pitts Casey; and brothers, Allen, Robbie, and Tommy Sisk.
Memorial donations may be made to the Washington Street Church of Christ, Youth Camp Fund, PO Box 324, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
We at Higgins Funeral Home are privileged to offer comfort, care, and support to the family of Patsy Ann Gray.
16 Comments To "Patsy Ann Gray"
#1 Comment By Scarlet Watson On May 25, 2026 @ 3:40 pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Ms. Patsy’s passing! I worked with her at Eighth District! Such a sweet lady!
#2 Comment By Gloria Talley On May 25, 2026 @ 3:55 pm
My Condolences To The Family On The Loss Of Mrs..Gray! She Was My Son’s Teacher.
#3 Comment By Christie Mitchell Atkins On May 25, 2026 @ 3:57 pm
Hope, Deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts.
With Love,
Christie and Jon Atkins
#4 Comment By Dorothy Taylor On May 25, 2026 @ 4:12 pm
So sorry to hear this Patsy was a great lady she will be missed by her friends and family prayers for you all
#5 Comment By Brenda & Gary Badenhop On May 25, 2026 @ 4:21 pm
We send our sympathy to Patsy’s family. You will be in our thoughts in the coming days for comfort.
#6 Comment By Tamieka Tate On May 25, 2026 @ 4:24 pm
My condolences are with family. I love ya’ll so sorry for the loss🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
#7 Comment By Larry Bobo On May 25, 2026 @ 4:52 pm
So saddened to hear of Patsy’s passing. She IS at a better home now. My sincere condolences to the family with my prayers especially for Hope and Allison at this time of sorrow.
#8 Comment By Debbie Simms On May 25, 2026 @ 4:55 pm
I sure did love her. We first met as teacher and student at Vann Town school. Then in my adult years we were Christian sisters and worshiped together at Molino Church of Christ. We share life and many memories from the time my children were babies to adulthood.
#9 Comment By Chuck & Debbie Ross On May 25, 2026 @ 4:55 pm
Hope, we are very sorry to hear about your Mother. Our deepest sympathy to you & your family.
#10 Comment By Jimmy and Diane Buchanan On May 25, 2026 @ 5:54 pm
Always enjoyed seeing Patsy. So gracious and kind. Pray your wonderful memories will bring you comfort and peace
#11 Comment By Paul Dempsey On May 25, 2026 @ 6:19 pm
Ms Patsy was such a nice person. She always knew me each time I saw her and ask about my family. She taught my youngest daughter in school. She was a sweet lady. One of a kind. I think about Mr Billy and her often. He was a good man too. Praying for the family.
#12 Comment By Margaret Selby On May 25, 2026 @ 6:31 pm
So sorry Hope, I grew up with this family. Mis Pastsy was my brother Buddy Ashby homebound teacher for many years. She was a wonderful childhood friend.
Margaret (Ashby) Selby
#13 Comment By Kathy Bryson On May 25, 2026 @ 7:46 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Gray’s family. She was an amazing lady. God bless.
#14 Comment By Bob and Wanda Williams On May 25, 2026 @ 8:47 pm
Such a wonderful Christian lady and good friend! I can’t remember not knowing Patsy. We will certainly miss her smiling face at Liberty and her great example. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hope and Dan, Allison and Cory, her grand and greats.and their families. Patsy loved all of you dearly! Our love in him, Bob and Wanda Williams
#15 Comment By Ann Marie Fox On May 26, 2026 @ 6:56 am
my prayers are with you and your family i,m so sorry for your loss
#16 Comment By Sarah and JacK Raby On May 26, 2026 @ 10:41 am
We loved Patsy so much. She ALWAYS had a smile and was always happy. The world will not be the same without her in it. We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of her wonderful family and friends. I am thankful to have known and loved her.