Patsy Ann Lewis

February 28, 1934 - January 23, 2013

Facebook

visitation

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 |

service

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 |

Saturday 1/26

Patsy Ann Brister Lewis Services celebrating the life of Patsy Ann Brister Lewis will be Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church Ruston. Officiating will be her pastor, Dr. Chris Craig. A brief graveside service will follow immediately at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2300 West California Avenue, in Ruston. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the First Baptist Church from 9:00 AM to service time. Patsy Lewis passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2013 after a long, graceful fight with mesothelioma. She was 78. Patsy was born February 28, 1934 in Bunkie, Louisiana. She graduated from Bunkie High School and from Louisiana College, where she was Homecoming Queen in 1954, May Queen in 1955 and editor of “The Wildcat,” the college newspaper. A “coach's wife,” she taught at Sulphur, Jonesboro-Hodge, Simsboro and Ruston high schools before graduating from Louisiana Tech University in Counseling and Guidance in 1969; three years later, she became the University's Dean of Admissions, Basic and Career Studies and Director of Orientation. She loved “Coach” and her sons, and maybe it was because of them that she took a special interest in making sure many boys and girls who might not have gone to collegeor stayed in college not only got into Louisiana Tech, but also graduated. Among the pictures of family and friends in her Tech offices were these two framed sayings: “It is more important to be nice than nice to be important,” and “Bloom Where You Are Planted.” Patsy lived her own advice. Patsy joined FBC Ruston in 1963 and remained an active member until her death. She was a member of Bess Cook's Joy Sunday School class. Her example extended far beyond her steady attendance at the 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning service, second pew, right side, on the aisle. Even after her 1990 retirement from Tech, she continued to encourage and inspire by example. She also joined the Northern Louisiana Medical Center Auxiliary and logged more than 1, 000 hours of volunteer service. A member of the Ruston Garden Study Club, she was a lover of beauty and of all God's Earth, whether it had pansies or tomatoes growing from it or football players running on it. Many owe a huge debt to Patsy for her friendship, her example, her guidance, her priceless smiles and love. She was a godly, beautiful woman, both inside and out. Patsy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Coach E.J. Lewis; sons, Luke DeWitt Lewis and wife Donna Crowson Lewis, Jedd Brister Lewis and wife Melanie Morgan Lewis; grandchildren, Logan James Lewis, Keegan James Lewis, Jacob Brister Lewis, Austin Guillory Lewis, Morgan Camp Lewis, Albany Ann Lewis; one great-grandchild, Asher Alexander Bailey; her brother, Walter A. Brister, Jr. and wife Frances of Monroe; sisters Fern B. Fifield and June B. Gough of Ruston and Carol B. Martin of Shreveport; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mamie Brister. Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Ewing, Terry Ewing, Billy Belding, Hudson Akin, Doug Jeffcoat, Dr. Virgil Orr, John Morgan and Marion Townsend. Patsy requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Building Fund, 200 South Trenton Street, Ruston, LA 71270. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 | Map

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

1200 Lamy Lane

Monroe, LA 71201

318-323-9611 | Map

Saturday 1/26

See Condolences

Coach Lewis and Boys: Patsy was a very special person to the Hudson family. She was so proud when my sister and I chose Lousiana Tech, our parents Alma Mater. I remember dashing into her office as I was going to take a test and she said with great enthusiasm "I'll light a candle for you!" I had no idea what that meant at the time but I knew she was with me during that test! I credit the leadership skills I have today to being a Student Leader under her program. I also gained my best friends during that time. She will be missed and you are in my prayers.

E.J.: My mother, Annie Tanner, thought so much of Patsy and you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mildred Ann Henry

Luke and Jedd My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Love Janie

Coach and the Lewis family, I am sorry for your loss. Dean Patsy Lewis had such a positive impact on me. Beginning with the Orientation Student Leader days on through my time at Tech, Patsy Lewis's eternal optimism and always seeing the good in people taught me to do the same. She was an outstanding person who positively influenced so many young people.

We at Professional Hospice Care considered it an honor and a priviledge to serve Ms.Patsy during her end of life journey. Our prayers are with "Coach" and her family...

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

So sorry to hear Patsy is no longer with us. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. Patsy touched my life in 1985. I was a small town boy from Bunkie trying to decide if & where I would go to college. My mom & I drove to La Tech for a campus visit and were greeted by Pasty. I remember how welcoming & inviting Patsy made both of us feel & promised she was alwasy there if I needed anything. There was an immediate connection with her, and Tech was home for the next 4 years. During the middle of my sophmore year I was reconsidering if college was for me. Patsy convinced me to lighten my upcoming quarter & remain at Tech rather than leave school. She was concerned if I left I would not return and looking back, she was right on target. I now realize how many others she touched and gave a chance to achieve a brighter future. Patsy may not be with us any longer but her memory & influence live one.

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember both of you from the Sulphur Mines and felt you both were really special. Of course Morris Anne was so proud of you. Mr prayer, that God be with you and heal the loss and give you comfort and peace.

Dear friends, I have known Patsy since my Orientation Student Leader days at La. Tech. Summer of 1977. I loved and admired her very much. She will really be missed. My prayers are with you all as you adjust to life without her. Sincerely, Kandy.

To The Lewis Family: Our Thoughts and Prayers are with You. I know it is a Very Difficult Time; but, we know God is sufficient in All. May He truly be with you during this time. Love Always In Christ, Mike & Mariam Stone

Mr Lewis, my condolence to you and your family.

Please accept my sincere condolences. Patsy and I were classmates, and we worked on the Bunavola together. Her smile was infectious and it was a pleasure to have known her.

It was with great sorrow for the Thiels family to learn of Patsy's death. She was a joy to know through the years. A cherished, loving friend whom we will greatly miss. Our love and prayers go out to E J and all the family. Kay and Pete Thiels and family

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Remember both you & Mrs. Patsy from Sulphur High School, Class of '59, and have nothing but fond memories of you both. May God wrap you in His loving arms and grant you peace.

Mrs. Patsy was a tremendous lady. She exemplified compassion and grace. Coach and Mrs. Patsy were great neighbors during my time in Ruston and even better friends. I will never forget the wonderful impact Mrs. Patsy and the rest of her beautiful family have provided me and the rest of the community. She will truly be missed.

Patsy was a classmate and a beautiful person inside and out. She had a way of touching everyone. She will be missed. My condolences to W A and family. Bob Richardson

Though my heart hurts for all of you√É¬ñ all of us, I find it impossible to think of Ms Patsy without smiling. I don√É¬≠t think she would have had it any other way. You are in my prayers.

What a blessing Mrs. Patsy was to us all who were even in her path of life for a brief moment of time. She is most definitely going to be missed, but I know she's rejoicing with Jesus. Our prayers to her family and very close friends who are missing her. Our hearts go out to you. May God's peace fill your hearts. Blessings, Richard and Tammi Carlisle

Coach Lewis, my family's prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless.

Mrs. Lewis was my favorite Jonesboro-Hodge teacher. She was a wonderful lady and married a great man and raised great children. She will be greatly missed.

Coach, I am so sorry to hear this news. I will be praying for you and your family. Wanda, at ML Smith Jr., LLC

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Luke, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I pray our Lord's Love & Compassion & Peace be with you and your family during this time.

No one person impacted my career more than Dean Patsy Lewis. She gave me my first job and was responsible for me having a career in higher education that has lasted more than 25 years. She is on my Mount Rushmore of mentors. Thank you for all that you did for me and many others.

My mother knew Patsy at LC and I had the privilege of knowing her while at Tech and later while a Ruston resident. She was always so kind and interested in students' welfare. My deepest sympathies for the Lewis family's loss.

Dear Luke and Jedd and your families, i am so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother and great grandmother. My prayers have been nonstop for all of you and your father. With love and condolences. Kim and TonyBlu Billberry

Luke, Jedd & Coach Lewis-- Alan & I are sending our love and prayers your way. I don't really remember a time that I didn't know "Patsy Lewis" and yes, I always think of her with both names!!. It was such a treat when I met and married Alan to know that HE knew her even better! She always recognized us both whenever we visited Ruston after years away...amazing...she's the kind of lady that just lifted you up by being. She will be greatly missed. love to all, Keri & Alan Grafton

I loved Patsy. She started my career at Louisiana Tech from Fall 1977 to my retirement in Spring 2001. She indeed lived by example.

There are a handful of people who truly affect your life and Patsy Lewis was one of those people. I will always be thankful for her. Coach, I will always remember your "Cajun" stories and have told a few of those myself. My heart goes out to ya'll. She was one of my favorites.

I first met Mrs. Lewis when I was looking at Tech as a high school senior in 1979. She made me think Tech was a very special place but more importantly she made me think I was special--that I had the potential to achieve special things. Every time I saw her both during my years at Tech and since, I always wanted to make her proud. I will never forget Mrs. Patsy Lewis. May The Lord comfort her family at this time.

Dear E.J.: so sorry to read of Patsy's passing. We will pass this sad news along to Phil. Take good care of yourself!! Warm regards - the Marrus'

I am so sorry to hear that Patsy Lewis passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Lewis, Luke, Jedd and your entire family.

Patsy Lewis led by example how each of us can make our world better! Inspiring each to be the best one can be. She will be missed.

It was my privilege to work in the office of Admissions, Basic and Career Studies, under Patsy Lewis's leadership, while a student at LTU in the early 1970's. What a profound impact she had on so many lives. She was a strong and courageous woman,a role model for all. God bless your family as you move through these difficult days.

Patsy Lewis was my speech teacher at J-H many, many years ago and what she taught me I have used numerous times over the years. It helped mold a career and guided me through many board meetings. She will always have a special place in my heart and my special memories. Please know you are in my prayers and know what an impact she had on many lives. Chris Holly Newman

I was so sorry to hear about Mrs. Lewis. I pray that God will comfort you at this time. She was a gracious lady.

Lewis family, so sorry for your loss. We had the pleasure of meeting your family and sitting in Row 33, seats 1&2 next to your family the past two years at The Joe. Miss Patsy was a gracious lady. Our prayers and sympathy are extended to all of the Lewis family

Coach Lewis, So sorry for your loss. You may not remember my family or me, but I was part of your Jonesboro-Hodge HS experience. My older brothers are Jim and Billy, who lives in Ruston. Ronnie Vail, a classmate of mine, shared your loss with me in an e-mail. I pray that God will provide peace and comfort for your family and you. Randy Phillips

Jedd and Luke,please accept my deepest sympathies. Your mom was a great lady who helped me when I started Tech and was always so nice to me. Even though I don't see you guys anymore, I still consider you both to be good friends.

Dear E.J. and Family, It was an honor and privilege to have known and worked with Patsy beginning in the mid-70's. She struck me as being a combination of head nurse, drill sergeant, and angel, perhaps this last being the best descriptor. She touched so many lives in wonderful ways. We've all been truly blessed to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Coach, Jedd, and Luke, I am so sorry for your lose. I know how much it hurts losing your wife and losing your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Mrs. Lewis was a wonderful lady and everyone loved her so much.

Mrs. Patsy was a dear friend and neighbor. While in college she assisted and directed me to find ways to afford to continue my education through her position in the Office of Registrar at La. Tech. Years later she would become my neighbor and friend. Her strength, grace, and intellect has touched my life and so many others. Joe and I extend our sympathy to the family she loved so very much.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Coach, you know how I felt about Patsy. She was the first person I saw at Tech and convinced me that I needed to be there. She was a mentor to me in so many ways. I will miss her. My prayers are with you, Luke and Jed and their families. May God Bless Patsy and you all.

Offered me a full scholarship to LA Tech. I declined the scholarship and chose to go to McNeese instead but I begged her to consider giving my scholarship to a good friend and she did. She had a beautiful spirit.

Mrs. Lewis was an awesome lady. I had the honor of working in the office as a student worker from 1976 to 1980. She was a perfect role model for a little country girl like me. Her kind smile, words of encouragement and guidance were greatly appreciated. Even after I graduated from Tech, she and Coach Lewis helped me in my early years of coaching at Epps High School. I just wanted to let you know that how blessed I feel to have known both Mrs. Lewis and Coach and that you will be in my prayers.

Luke, May God be with you and your family during this time. Feel His healing grace and know that your mother now walks with the angels. Our prayers!

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Luke and Jedd, our family is saddened by your loss. From years of being friends and neighbors, it feels like your Mom should just always be here! She will definitely be missed by so many. Comfort each other with the great memories and the wonderful love that she has left to each of you.

To the Lewis Family: My thoughts are prayers are with you.

Mrs. Patsy was one classy Christian lady. My heart is full of admiration for her and sympathy for the family.

One of the most precious people I ever knew. She kept me straight but uplifted all at the same time. I will miss her dearly and so thankful I was blessed enough to know her! Love to you all during this time!

Our prayers and thoughts are with you for your loss.

Coach E.J. and the Lewis Family, I am so saddened by this news but realize Patsy is in Heaven and because of her presence with GOD, Heaven has been Blessed with a True Angel. Patsy took care of all of us and was the first person I met when my dad brought me to Tech in Ruston. She cared for us all and like others have stated she was a second mother to all of us. Coach, you took care of the guys/players on and off the field and I thank you and Patsy for the vivid memories. I Love You Coach, and may GOD wrap his arms around you and assist you in this difficult time. My BEST, Love Steve Kahn Houston, Texas

Coach, I just read of the passing of Mrs. Lewis. I can,t tell you how sorry I am to hear the news. I still remember your first trip to Bunkie and was always glad you had a reason to come besides recruiting! Patsy was a friend to all the football players and we remember her fondly.

What a wonderful lady Ms. Patsy was. So helpful to this nervous freshman living away from home for the first time. Always so gracious. My condolances to her great family.

Coach, We are very saddened to learn of you and the family's loss. Miss Patsy was such a warm, loving lady who had a couple of sons with you but she was like a Mom to hundreds/thousands of "kids" that she called her own and we thought of ourselves as belonging to her. I was one of those who belonged to her in that special way and I was blessed to have known her, had the pleasure of her meeting my wife, one of my daughters and my two granddaughters who live in Ruston. She will be sorely missed not only by you and the family but by all of us who had the priviledge of knowing her. My thoughts and prayers are with you but we all know that she is in a better place and was certainly prepared for the day when she would leave this Earth. Take heart in the good times and the fact that she will be there to greet us as we too leave here one day for that better place. Love you and thinking about you.

Patsy Lewis was so very gracious. Coach Lewis recruited Robert and on our first visit to La Tech, it was important for Robert to meet Coach Lambright and the rest of the staff and players. However, my memory will be of Patsy Lewis having the Sheppard family to her home and serving coffee and tea. A true example of a Southern Lady.

Now This Beautiful "Flower" Pasty Lewis Resides In The Arms Of Our GOD, This I"m Truly Thankful For! Love Always. Wenford & Sarah Wilborn

I worked for Mrs. Lewis for several years at LA Tech. She left a positive impression on me that has carried me through my 20+ years at the University of Tennessee in customer service to our students and parents. No issue was too big that could not be solved in a calm and caring matter. I will always be grateful for knowing her. She was such a gracious lady.

I will remember Patsy as the lovely lady who always brightened my day with a big smile and a cheery hello. We have lost another asset to our community and she will be missed!

To the Lewis family, I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Lewis. What a beautiful lady she was. We embrace you tenderly with our thoughts & prayers during this time as we ponder, even through the sorrow, the eternal glory that has dawned for your precious loved one. Praise the Lord, she suffers no more. Please know that I will continue to pray for God's comfort & peace for each of you. She lived; she loved us ALL.

a beautiful woman!

Sorry to hear of your lost. She was a great teacher and lovely person. Remembered both of you when I was in Sulphur High. I graduated in 1959. God Bless each of you as you put her away in Gods hands. Love Bonnie Savoy Terro

Patsy was an inspiration to all who met and knew her at Louisiana Tech! What a great lady. She will be missed by the thousands of lives she touched and changed through the years. Love to 'Coach' and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Mrs. Lewis was my mom away from home. She is why I attended Tech and I always loved her. She was so very special.

My prayers and condolences go to "Coach" and the family. Patsy was my American History teacher during my senior year at Jonesboro-Hodge High School, and, oh, how I enjoyed her class! She was a wonderful teacher, a beautiful lady, and a great example to all her students. She was a favorite with her students, and we have many good memories of our time with her. With love and prayers to your family

Coach EJ: I just learned of the passing of Ms. Lewis. I can,t tell you how sorry I am to hear the news. I know she is in a better place and the Lord has wrapped His arms around her. Thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family, Sincerely, Bobby Bernard

Coach, Sandy & I are saddened by the news of the passing of Ms. Patsy. We were all blessed to have known her and to have been touched by her life. Oh, how I think about her & what a great joy that it was this past football season for the 1972 Football Nat'l Championship team to be able celebrate with Ms. Patsy as we gathered for our 40th reunion. She was such a big part of that team & all of us. We love you, Mike & Sandy Swinney

Praying for the great family she raised.

Patsy was a truly great lady and helped many students at La Tech. She was a great support to Coach. I loved you both.

To Coach and family, you know we are so sorry for your loss and pray for comfort and peace to all of you at this time.

What a sweet special lady was Patsy Lewis. My heart aches for "Coach" and for one of my best friends, Luke and his three children, Logan, Keegan, and Albany. Love you guys and I'm so sorry but find peace in knowing Patsy is in a better place. God bless all of you.

I am so sorry and saddened to know the loss of my good friend. I will miss her. God's blessings to you her family and all who knew Patsy.

Coach, Mrs. Patsy was a wonderful lady. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.