Patricia Horton

On Saturday, Sept. 6, Patricia (Patsy) Smith Horton, 90, stepped into God’s eternal glory, hearing the angels proclaim, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
 
Born Dec. 30, 1934, in Russellville, Ala., Patsy was a devoted Christian, caring wife and mother, beloved grandmother known as “Mutter,” cherished friend and lifelong teacher, sharing her kind heart and optimistic inspiration with all.
 
A graduate of Russellville (Ala.) High School at 17, she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of North Alabama. She began her teaching career at 20 at Sheffield (Ala.) High School.
 
After marrying Jim and welcoming daughters Betsy and Susan, she stayed home from teaching for 10 years. Then she began what would become a lifelong passion for teaching and ministering to underserved children by developing the curriculum for Sheffield’s first Head Start program.
 
In 1976, Jim moved the family to Paducah, where he served as director of the Paducah McCracken County Riverport Authority. Patsy then began a 20-year career in Paducah Public Schools, during which she earned a master’s degree in reading education from Murray State University.
 
Patsy first taught English at Jetton Junior High School and then reading and English at Paducah Tilghman High School. She chaired the English department and the Honors Night program for many years.
 
Patsy loved learning, literature and grammar; and she had a passion for her students, especially those facing difficulties. After retirement, she continued to mentor young writers and tutor students in English and grammar, often working late into the night to help Tilghman students perfect their writing portfolios. As a member of Delta Kappa Gamma to promote excellence in education, she was delighted to participate on its local scholarship committee.
 
Patsy was a 50-year member of Broadway Church of Christ, serving as a Sunday School teacher, ladies’ day speaker, and volunteer on children’s committees. She was a treasured mentor for girls at New Pathways for Children and for children at the Rivers Church Tuesday Night ministry.
 
An avid reader, a skilled bridge player, and a revered Southern cook, she loved to share home-cooked meals, homemade bread, and cinnamon rolls. As a cherished friend of many, she devoted her life to serving others. Some of her most cherished days were spent at the beach with her “sister” friend, Ann Joiner, and with her special friends Ali, Adam, Audrey, and Alex Warmath. Her generous and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
 
She is survived by daughters Elizabeth H. Powell (Patrick) of Lexington and Susan H. Sibley of Buford, Ga.; three adored grandchildren, Blake E. Powell, Danville; James H. Sibley, Dallas, TX; and Olivia Anne Sibley, Buford, Ga. She was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, James M. Horton; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Smith; and her brother Dick F. Smith.
 
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Broadway Church of Christ. Milner and Orr Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. A private burial will be later at Knights of Pythias Cemetery in Russellville, Ala.
 
The family is grateful to Baptist Health Paducah staff for their loving care.
 
The family requests expressions of sympathy may be made through donations to New Pathways for Children, P.O. Box 10, Melber, Ky. 42069; the children’s ministry at the Rivers Church, 103 Fountain Ave., Paducah, Ky. 42001; or Paducah Public Schools Foundation (earmarked for Paducah Tilghman High School), P.O. Box 2550, Paducah, Ky. 42002.
 
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.