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Patsy BRISTER Obituary
Patsy Smith Brister, 86, peacefully passed away on December 30, 2016.
Born in Waco on April 28, 1930 to parents Guy and Ruby Smith, Patsy grew up in Lubbock with her predeceased brothers, Joe Guy Smith and David Smith. Patsy attended Lubbock High School and graduated from Texas Tech University where she was a proud member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Patsy later married her college sweetheart, Wilson Downs, after he returned from the Korean War. Together they had two beloved sons Bryan and David Downs.
Patsy began her elementary teaching career in Houston in the late 1960s. She completed a distinguished career in public education, and in 1985-86 received the "Teacher of the Year" award.
In 1981, Patsy married Houston Exxon Coal executive Theodore (Ted) Brister, father of Dabney Kowis and Kelley Underwood. Patsy and Ted retired to Lakeway in 1992 where she flourished in meaningful friendships and actively contributed to community life and fellowship. Patsy especially enjoyed the loving friendships she made within the many clubs and projects in which she was involved. Ted and Patsy were avid travelers and enjoyed their time with their children and grandchildren when home. Sadly, Ted passed away after twenty four years of wonderful marriage.
Cherishing Patsy's memory are her loving companion Glenn Ballard, her son Bryan Downs and his wife Alice Young of Boston, son David Downs and his wife Julie and their two sons Andrew and William Downs of Durango. In addition, Patsy will be missed by her nieces and nephews Jolynn, Sherri, Jim, Doyle, Scott and Kelly and all of their children.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 5th at 10:30 a.m. at The Lakeway Church in Lakeway, with a reception to follow.
Graveside services will be held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston on Friday, January 6th at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, and in consideration of Patsy's commitment to education, the family respectfully suggests contributions to The Lakeway Community Church's scholarship program (for more information contact Jill Osborne at The Lakeway Church (512) 261-6331).
Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at
www.wcfish.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patsy BRISTER
Sponsored by Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - Lake Travis.
Irmgard Wood
January 24, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Patsy's death. I worked with Patsy at Askew Elementary. She was a wonderful teacher and a lovely person. She was very special to me. My sincere condolences to the family, especially Brian and Alice. Fondly, Irmgard (Martinez)
Margaret Talbot
January 9, 2017
So sorry to hear of this and offer my sincere condolences. Patsy taught my daughter in first grade at Askew Elementary in Houston and was an exceptional teacher and lovely to deal with.
Dave and Linda DeOme
January 5, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of Patsy's sudden death. Dave and I are out of town so will not be able to attend her service today but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Glenn and her family. She was a beautiful person and friend and we share your loss.
Fondly,
Dave and Linda DeOme
Dick and Marie Drury
January 4, 2017
We'll miss you, Patsy, but memories of our times together will remain.
Marie and Dick Drury
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Ron Yates
January 4, 2017
Sandra and I met Patsy after she married Ted, and we enjoyed her company on many occasions. She was a gracious, lovely, classy lady, who made a positive impact on the lives of the children and adults she touched. Her family should be very proud of the way she lived her life. Godspeed, Patsy.
Peter and Maxine Gomes
January 4, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of a person who was so beautiful in every way. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Marilyn Van Way
January 3, 2017
So sorry to hear of this tragic accident and loss. Patsy and I shared many good times as we taught and played together with our close group of friends. She will be missed. Marilyn Van Way
January 3, 2017
Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at Hosea 13:14 Sincerely. L Ohio
Rosita
January 2, 2017
I extend my condolences to the family. It is my hope that many fond memories will help ease the pain of grief. also solace can be found at 1 Peter 5 : 7 " While you throw all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."
Michael Lewis
January 2, 2017
I'll always remember Patsy when she was "Mrs. Downs". I grew up with her 2 boys, and she was always like a second Mom to me. She tried to raise us boys to become responsible young men, and by all accounts she did very well! She will, without a doubt, be missed by all who knew her.
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