Patsy Jean Abernathy

Patsy Jean Clingingsmith Abernathy, 93, passed away on March 19, 2026 at Auburn Creek Assisted Living facility. She was born on April 3, 1933 in South Cape Girardeau County near Old Appleton, daughter of Raymond Maurice and Hazel Bertha Schneider Barr Clingingsmith. She attended Jackson Public Schools, graduating in 1951. Patsy and Leroy Linus Abernathy were married on June 28, 1953. They had two sons, Jon Mark and Donald Edward. She worked as a cashier at Schaper's IGA for many years and later became a gemologist at Kay's Jewelry. Patsy was a devoted member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ having served on the kitchen committee, prepared flowers for the sanctuary, planned a special dinner for emergency workers, and an annual Christmas breakfast for the Ministerial Alliance. She served the community in many ways and received the Fullenwider Award in 2015. She was an active member of the Noon Optimists, for many years attended to the landscaping at the Jackson City Park band shell, and was a supervisor at the election polls for over 50 years. She also participated in two Jamaican medical mission trips. Of all the activities she carried out at her church and in the community, the part of her life she was most proud of was the over 200 children she and Uncle Leroy had in their home in the Foster Care Program. Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, her sons, her parents, her brother Donald Leroy Clingingsmith, and her sisters; Jessie Louise Barr Quade, Hazel Elizabeth Barr Seabaugh, and Allie Jeanette Clingingsmith Curnen. She is survived by her grandson, Zachary Lee Abernathy, her sister-in-law, Sue Matlock Clingingsmith, her nieces who helped care for her; Charee Whaley, Sandy Newell, and Vicky McDowell, as well as many more nieces and nephews. According to Aunt Patsy's instructions there will be no visitation or service. The family sincerely thanks the administration and staff of Auburn Creek Assisted Living facility for their compassionate care of Patsy for the years she was a resident there. We also wish to express our gratitude to Crown Hospice for the wonderful care during Patsy's last weeks. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

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Patsy Jean Abernathy

April 3, 1933 - March 19, 2026