Patsy Ann Southern Houston

Still Dancing in the Sky: The Life of Patsy Ann Southern Houston
August 27, 1948 - May 30, 2025
"I'm not that easy to get rid of."
Those were some of Patsy's final words - and if you knew her, you know she meant it. She lived life boldly, with her boots planted firmly in the dirt and her spirit lifted to the sky.
Patsy Ann Southern Houston passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 30, 2025, at 12:05 AM in Midland, Texas, following her courageous battle with late-stage Alzheimer's and dementia. She was 76.
Born on August 27, 1948, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, she was the first child of Willie Southern and Ruby Jane Conner Southern. Her early life was marked by dusty roads, wide skies, and a deep sense of family. She grew up with siblings Billy Ray, Linda Sue, and Jimmy Southern, and later, Ronnie Spears - each one adding to the wild, wonderful chaos that shaped her grit and love.
A proud tomboy, she preferred baseball over baby dolls, played ball with the boys, and walked barefoot through the country fields. She never took too well to rules - especially the ones that didn't make sense. Whether it was wearing jeans when she wasn't supposed to or chasing her dreams into adulthood, Patsy lived her life her way.
She became a mother at a young age, raising Kathleen and Kevin with fierce independence and unconditional love. Later, she built a life with Charles B. "Chuck" Houston III, her husband of 13 years. Together they made a home in Collinsville, Oklahoma - a cozy two-story on three acres, filled with love, laughter, and animals. Always animals.
Patsy was full of surprises. She worked hard, sold Mary Kay cosmetics, and kept her free spirit alive through music, dancing, and her deep Native American roots. She never let go of her biggest dream: to be in the movies. And wouldn't you know it - she made it happen. She appeared in Oklahoma Bound, Rumblefish, and Fandango, chasing that childhood star from the fields of Oklahoma to the silver screen.
Her sass was unmatched. Her stories? Legendary. Her laughter? Loud, contagious, unforgettable. Her life was not about perfection - it was about presence. Being there. Showing up. Finding joy in small places, like garage sales and fishing ponds, or haggling down a few extra cents just to make a child smile.
She is survived by her son Kevin Wayne (Jessica) Southern; daughter Kathleen E. Barker; granddaughter Marissa Lynn Southern (Darrell) Guinn; great-grandson Carter Wayne Southern; grandson Chase Southern; granddaughter Markia Curran; grandson Mathew Fixico; Cousin Dale Conner; and many beloved extended family members including Lisa Groden, Casey Groden, April Groden, Willy Groden, "Aunt" Fay Conner, Daina Sherman, Jeanette Woehrle, Jimmy "Jim" Conner, Antonia Conner, Lisa Bieker, Mellissa Triece, Roy Conner, Diana Marris, Jacki Bruce, Billy Marris, Crystal Moore, Kaleb Swartz, Jimmy Southern, Ronnie Spears, Jannetta Spears, and Ronna Spears.
She reunites now with those who passed before her - including her mother Ruby Jane Conner, father Willie Southern, sister Linda Sue Southern, brothers Billy Ray and Jimmy Southern, and countless cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins including James "Ralph"Conner, "Aunt" Betty Fry, Jim "Bobby" Conner, Jack Conner, Donald Conner, Bobby Marris, Chris Marris, and Joe Conner.
A memorial service to honor Patsy's life will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 10:00 AM at First Christian Church in Midland.
Patsy walks now with the ancestors. Her legacy is laughter. Her memory is music. Her spirit is still dancing in the sky - and always will be.