Patsy Thomas Albritton
On Monday, March 18th, Patsy Thomas Albritton passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband John and adoring children, June, John, and daughter-in-law Fontaine.
Born September 18th, 1944 in Memphis, Tennessee, Patsy was the daughter to Ward and Ruth Thomas and sister to Tommy and Roxie. She graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School, where she was awarded Homecoming Queen. Moving on to Lambuth College, her accolades in both kindness and grace continued as she was crowned Miss Lambuth and continued on to compete in the Miss Tennessee Contest.
Her 59 years of marriage to husband John were filled with laughter and adventure, where they built homes lovingly and hosted friends tirelessly. And during their entire marriage, they never met a stranger. If you knew John and Patsy, you were John and Patsy’s best friend. To spend time with them was to experience the Spirit of God, an entire world of love, patience, and generosity. Throughout her life, Patsy was a member of Le Bonheur Club, Les Passes, Christ Covenant Reformed Church, University Club, Memphis Country Club, and Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club in Cashiers, North Carolina.
Patsy’s greatest contribution to the world are her two children, June and John. Patsy was not just a mom, she was “mother,” pouring herself tirelessly into her children. She possessed a divine ability to know what her children needed and a selfless spirit to provide it. Her four grandchildren – Derrick, Patrick, Thaxton, and Noland - allowed Patsy to continue pouring from her endless reserve of affection. Spending a day with “Mimi” meant getting spoiled with toys, treats, and adoration.
In her own time, Patsy was a skillful decorator who held a fond appreciation of antiques and architecture, and she loved sharing stories of her travels with John to France and England. She saw God through her art and built a career helping others fill their homes and create their own lasting memories.
In a life that was filled with serious convictions and accomplishments, it’s important to remember that Patsy was simply hilarious. Never afraid of a well-timed joke, Patsy always had everyone laughing. Embarrassing her siblings, entertaining her friends, or comforting a child, Patsy’s humor was her love language.
It’s difficult to distill the life of such a powerful and multi-faceted woman, but Patsy’s defining characteristic was her faith. Her radiant, certain, joyful faith in Christ. As her glorious life neared its end, Patsy kept an inspiring level of peace because she knew what was next. The homemaker is going home.
Patsy is survived by her husband Dr. John Albritton; siblings, Roxie Jarvis (husband Larry) and Tommy Thomas; children, June Baber and John Albritton (wife Fontaine); grandchildren, Derrick Baber (wife Natalie), Patrick Baber, Thaxton Brown, and Noland Brown; nephews, Ward Jarvis (wife Jenni) and Reed Jarvis (wife Lora); and four great-nieces and nephews.
Services for Patsy will be held Wednesday, March 27th, with a visitation at 1:00pm followed by a service at 2:00pm at Independent Presbyterian Church, 4738 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis TN 38117.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Christ Covenant Reformed Church located at 6800 Poplar Avenue, Suite 216, Germantown, TN, 38138.