Patsy Pampkin

Patsy Pampkin 58, passed away on July 30, 2020 in Kingsport TN. Patsy was born in Louisville, MS., on October 18, 1961. Patsy was preceded in death by her father, Levell Miller and her sister Annette Miller. She is survived by her husband Marshall Pampkin, mother Katie Miller, brother Charles Miller, her sisters, Jennifer Harriston, Mary Madison, and Mattie McKnight. She is also survived by special niece Phoebe Locket, and special nephew Marcus DeShawn Miller, and many more nieces, nephews and family. Memories from a Big Brother These are just a few memories of a proud big Brother. Thinking back, I remember the story of when Pat was born. I was nine years old. Pat was born in my parent’s two bedroom house which was next door to our grandparents’ home. After the birth I was dispatched to get a name for the baby from my grandmother. She told me to name her Patricia and we will call her Patsy. I returned and relayed the message. However, I reversed the message which became, Name her Patsy and we will call her Patricia. Thus the name on her birth certificate is Patsy. By the time Pat finished high school, I was in the Air Force and nowhere close to Louisville. She was off to Rust College and doing well grade wise. She however felt her future as a Rust College graduate did not meet her goals for the future. She left Rust and began studies to become a registered nurse at Matty Hersee Hospital School of Nursing in Meridian. She completed her studies and was certified in 1984. I remember my son was graduating from Kindergarten the same night Pat was graduating from Nursing School. My wife went to my son’s graduation and I went to Pat’s graduation. Pat (because she was the baby of the family) was not expected to leave home but rather stay close to Mother there in Louisville. To everyone’s surprise, after leaving Mattie Hersee Pat Accepted a nursing position in Tuscaloosa, AL. I remember the trip helping Pat move to Tuscaloosa the first time. Pat had her first apartment, a brand new little Ford Escort, and her first job. This is the young lady we thought would never leave home. Things went well but Pat was always moving forward. I guess Tuscaloosa was too small and limiting. Pat took a position in Birmingham. She did well there but she was obviously looking for bigger and better opportunities to advance. The next thing I knew Pat took a position and moved to Atlanta. I remember jokingly telling her I guess her next moves would be Chicago and New York. It was in Atlanta she met Otis (her first husband), bought her first house, and realized she needed a Bachelor’s degree to advance as she desired, she took all the necessary classes and completed the work and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Brenau University in Gainsville, GA . I remember Hattie and I went to her graduation somewhere in the Georgia mountains (at least in my mind). While in Atlanta, Pat decided to have weight reduction surgery. Always a meticulous researcher, Pat found one of the leading surgeons in the country and had the procedure. Recovery was more difficult than expected or hoped. This impressed on Pat that she needed to be closer to family. She took a position in Mississippi and moved to Pearl, Mississippi. While in Pearl she continued her education and received her Masters Degree from Alcorn State University. With her Masters in hand, she continued to excel and began teaching college courses both online and as a resident professor at a junior college. Never being one to stop advancing, Pat started working on a Doctoral degree. Completing all the requirements, Pat received her PhD From University of Alabama Birmingham and became “Doctor Pat.” Doctor Pat needed a venue commensurate with her drive and education. She took a position at East Tennessee State University. She remained on staff there until the end. Pat impressed upon nurses especially the young ones to keep studying and working to advance. I am told she was even trying to motivate the nurses attending to her prior to her last surgery. Pat husband Otis passed away some time after moving to Tennessee. Otis battled with health issues for some time, going back even before they moved back to Mississippi. Pat always took excellent care of Otis until his very last day. I was very concerned with Pat being alone in Tennessee so far from any family. I was surprised when it was reported to me that she had met someone. I was very surprised when a few months later she told me they were going to elope. I immediately asked her when? Pat told me “if I tell you it won’t really be eloping”. I said okay. Some time later I got some of the most wonderful wedding pictures ever. Marshall has been a true God send. He has taken care of Pat through all the times whether good or bad. Marshall blended so well with Pat. When I would see them together is was as though they had been together as long as Hattie and I have been together. They seem to know what the other was thinking. I remember Pat calling out to Marshall and he knowing the urgency or lack there of just by the tone in the word “Marshall”. I loved the way he called her “Baby” in their discussions. Pat was my Baby Sister. I was and I am very proud of her. Her accomplishments are numerous. I like everyone will miss her. But like everyone we must wrap ourselves in the wonderful memories Pat left for us. These are just a few memories of a Proud Big Brother. From Marshall.... Today I said goodbye to a woman that motivated me to love again and I could share the world with. For A while she endured many medical challenges. Now she shall rest and want no more. The world is missing Another Shining star Good night My Heart... A private service wil be held on Wednesday August 5, 2020.

Patsy Pampkin

October 18, 1961 - July 31, 2020