Obituaries
February 17, 2025
Patsy Joyce Athey
Patsy Joyce Athey
April 5, 1941 – February 17, 2025
Patsy Joyce Roan Athey of Rockwall, Texas passed away on February 17, 2025.
She was the daughter of Elster Jackson Roan and Lola Maye Croley Roan of
Rowlett Texas. Although she lived a full lifetime of 83 plus years, she was
taken quickly by acute myeloid leukemia and pneumonia.
Patsy was born on April 5, 1941. She was raised on a large farm in Rowlett,
Texas as the youngest of six siblings: two brothers and three sisters. She
attended Rowlett Elementary School for grades 1-8, Rockwall High School for
grades 9-12, and graduated with the class of 1959. Patsy played for the high
school girls’ basketball team during her freshman and sophomore years,
worked as a student librarian, was an officer in the school’s library club, and
was voted “most beautiful” by her peers. She enjoyed social events like going
to dances and being with her friends, many of whom have remained life-long
companions. Those closest to her have described her as a fiercely loyal friend.
After high school, Patsy attended a secretarial business and accounting
school in downtown Dallas, which led to her being a bookkeeper for various
companies for most of her life. Although she had great accounting skills, she
also enjoyed writing and occasionally posted memoirs in her local newspaper.
She was known for her strong work ethic and her no-nonsense “take the bull
by the horns” demeanor for meeting challenges. She also enjoyed “talking
politics” and did not hesitate to give anyone her personal opinion about
matters of the state.
At the age of seventeen, Patsy met Bobby Athey in the winter of 1958, after his
two years of U.S. military service in Germany. He had chosen her picture from
a yearbook for a double date with their mutual friends, Don and Priscilla
Gideon. They attended the movie “South Pacific,” starting their relationship
which lasted 60 years until they were separated by death. Married in 1959, she
and Bobby began their marriage in Garland Texas. They then moved to
Oklahoma City, where Bobby was recruited by NASA to work as a biochemist
for a branch chemistry lab located there. Afterwards, they resided in Plano,
Texas and again in Garland to raise their family.
Patsy and Bobby were parents of three children, foster parents to four
children, and grandparents to four grandsons whom they babysat at a
moment’s notice, spoiling them to their content. Patsy frequently attended
her children’s and grandchildren’s school activities and nurtured their
interests. She became a dutiful caregiver to her husband Bobby after a stroke,
which left him disabled for the final 10 years of his life. She never gave up on
him.
In her final years, Patsy moved to Rockwall, Texas and enjoyed her old
stomping grounds with her life-long friends, attending what she jokingly called
“Breakfast Club” and “Popular Girls” outings. She was a member of First
Christian Church Disciples of Christ of Garland and also attended First
Christian Church Disciples of Christ of Rowlett and Lakepoint Church of
Rockwall.
Being the last survivor of her family’s generation, Patsy was preceded in death
by her parents, Elster and Lola, and her siblings, Nannie Roan Holden, Alton
Roan, Jackie Roan, Martha Roan Farris, and Jo Nell Roan Culifer. She is
survived by her children Steven Athey, Shannon Athey Lucky, Susan Athey
Ramsey, and her grandsons Nathaniel Lucky, Jordan Lucky, Sidney Golden,
and Ebon Ramsey.
She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews
who lovingly referred to her as “Grandma Aunt Pat.” Our family will miss our
“Mom Grandma Aunt Pat” dearly, but we are at peace that she is no longer
suffering and is with her Savior in Heaven. Our memories of her humorous
stories and willingness to help others in times of need will forever remain in
our hearts.
Memorial service details are yet to be determined and will be announced at a
later time.
Condolences
Pamela S Rowley February 20, 2025
Cousin Garland , Texas
My heart goes out to my loving cousins. Shannon is a God sent Angel for all she has done for our family. My love and prayers are with us all.
Liz Brooks Swan February 20, 2025
Cousin-in-law Branson , Missouri
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your peace & comfort. I remember how fond my mom was of your mom. One of my memories is how I never saw your mom in a bad mood. She always was happy & laughing. Hope she is having the best time in heaven, reunited with your Dad and all her loved ones.
Misty Hughes February 20, 2025
Friend of the family Georgetown , Texas
Pat prepared me for life for future challenges that I would face in my own life. I will always be grateful for the life lessons. Praying for Steve, Shannon, Susan and the entire family. Pat will be so missed.
Patricia February 20, 2025
Dear Frend Fort Worth , Texas
The love "Aunt Pat" shared with you and others, and the warmth from the glowing memories of that love shall never fade! My heart grieves as I share in your sorrow and rejoice in the fact that Heaven has received another angel in its midst.
Sharon Van Fosson February 20, 2025
"Niece-ish" Rowlett , Texas
I have many fond memories of Aunt Pat. My grandma and grandpa were the ones on Bobby & Pat's double date, so she has known me all my life. She was a rock to my grandma when my aunt & great grandma died in a car wreck. Our families have relied on one another and our histories are intertwined because Gram and Aunt Pat had been friends since they were 4 & 5 respectively. I will be forever grateful because she showed up to the hospital unexpectedly, and sat with Jeremy while I was in surgery, which I have carried on with that loving support to my friends and family. She is truly missed, but in a much better place.