Patsy Thurmon Grafton of Minden passed away peacefully on January 8, 2021. She was born on a dairy farm on December 14, 1935 in Weldon, Louisiana to J. S and Minnie Thurmon.
She spent her entire 12 years of schooling at Summerfield High School in Summerfield, LA where she played basketball, sang in the glee club and took piano lessons.
Patsy met the love of her life, Bobby Grafton, and they were married on June 12, 1952. Shortly after their marriage Bobby was sent to Germany where he actively served in the Army. After he came home, they moved to Minden in 1954 and had three children. Patsy loved taking care of her family. She learned to sew with two babies on her lap, making clothes for her and her daughters for many years. In 1962 their daughter, Rheba, died at the age of 6. They put all their trust and faith in God and endured this precious loss, thanks to their church, their family, and their friends. After 61 years of marital bliss, Bobby passed away in 2013.
Patsy was an active member of First Baptist Church, Minden where she served faithfully for 57 years as church pianist, playing for worship services, choirs, revivals and anything else she was asked to do. She was employed at State Farm Insurance for over 30 years, working for J. V. Smith and Jud Hale.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her precious daughter Rheba, one brother Max E. Thurmon, sisters Dorris Strickland and Marcelle McGuire and the love of her life, Bobby Grafton
Survivors are her daughter Pam Gilbert (Huies) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, son Phillip Grafton (Kayla) of Oklahoma City, OK, grandchildren Cheryl Manning (Jay) of Lenexa, Ks, David Gilbert (Ashley) of West Monroe, LA, Nathan Grafton and Emily Grafton of Choudrant, LA. Great Grandsons Hudson, Hayes and Harrison Manning of Lenexa, KS and Jackson, Baron and Rowan Gilbert of West Monroe, LA. Sister-in-law Geraldine Tunney of Baltimore, MD, Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Therez and Van Kelley of Minden, LA sister-in-law and brother-in-law Frances and Lloyd Grafton of Ruston, LA. , and brother-in-law Ken Shelton of Dubberly, LA and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Minden on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Leland Crawford and Rev. Bill Crider officiating. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. prior to service.
Pall bearers will be Tracey Campbell, Clive Collier, Dean Fields, J. E. Hamm, Mike Hollomon, Brian Jackson, and Steve Lee
Honorary pallbearer will be Graydon Kitchens.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Aberdeen Heights Assisted Living facility in Tulsa, OK for the special care provided during the last two years of her life. Also, we would like to thank Seasons Hospice for their care in her final days.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Minden or St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the donor’s choice.
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:27-28