Patsy J. Mathews

Patsy Jones Mathews was born in Falkner, Mississippi on March 29, 1940, and died peacefully in her sleep on February 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Lydle Willis Jones; her mother, Wardie Leo Davis Jones; her brother, Flay Jones; and her beloved husband of 43 years, Harlan Mathews. 

Patsy is survived by her stepsons, Stan (Susan) Mathews and Les (Pam) Mathews; grandchildren Katie (Nathan) Zipper, Emily (Bill) Berry; and many dear nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. 

Renowned as a tireless worker, Patsy began her professional life early, taking her first job at age 16 at the Normal Drug Store in Memphis. She was a proud graduate of Memphis State University, earning both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Education. Her career began in the Memphis court system where she worked with Judge Sam Campbell and Judge Penny Sellers. 

In 1971, Patsy embarked on what became a lifelong career with the State of Tennessee. She first served with the Department of Education in Memphis and later with the Department of Human Services in Nashville. Through dedication, intelligence, and determination, she rose quickly through the ranks, retiring in 1995 as Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Human Services. 

In 1973, Patsy married the love of her life, Harlan Mathews. True partners in every sense, they traveled the world together and shared a life filled with both sophistication and simplicity — whether collecting fine wines and moving within elite Washington, DC social circles, or quietly feeding deer together in their backyard. 

Admired for her striking beauty and impeccable, classic style, Patsy was always the best-dressed woman in any room. She was equally admired for her sharp intellect and ability to hold her own in any political discussion, local, state or national. She knew her own mind and rarely hesitated to share it! 

Patsy maintained a wide and diverse circle of friends and remained closely connected to them until the very end. An avid reader — always starting with the daily paper — and a formidable bridge player, she also gave generously of her time and talents. Over the years her service included membership in the US Senate Spouses Club and important roles with the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security Administration Disability programs, the National Rehabilitation Association, the Volunteer State Rehabilitation Association, the Tennessee ADA Advisory Council, the Hemophilia Foundation, the Sickle Cell Clinic, the Easter Seal Society, and the American Red Cross. 

Patsy and Harlan were members of Brentwood United Methodist Church. 

Today, there are no two people happier in heaven than Patsy and Harlan, reunited again.