Patsy Ruth Provence Livingston

Patsy Ruth Provence Livingston was born September 11, 1948, at Shands Hospital in New Albany, MS, to James O'Neal Provence and Mildred Shettles Provence. She transitioned to her heavenly home on March 23, 2023.

Patsy, Patty, Ruth, Ruthless, Mama, Mom, Mommy, Miss Patsy was known for her kindness, good-natured spirit creativity, hospitality and service. She also was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. For more than 35 years, Patsy served the New Albany School District as a Special Education Director. After retirement, she worked as a consultant and mentor to new teachers. She also helped revitalize New Haven, a one-of-a-kind center for adults with special needs in New Albany. Patsy was a life-long advocate of children and adults with special needs.

Patsy was a behind-the-scenes volunteer, planner, creator, and servant who served on various boards and committees for the city of New Albany, including New Haven and Main Street. In 1976, Patsy and husband Steve were the Freedom Fest coordinators for the Bicentennial Celebration. She was also responsible for "First to be First," coordinating the 2005 effort for all Union County first graders to be the first to cross the new Tallahatchie River Bridge in downtown New Albany.

Patsy helped create Frog-and-All in the early 1990's to raise money for the Dean Provence Endowment for Excellence in Education, named in memory of her brother Dean. Frog-and-All later became Frog-a-Nanny, an annual event which still benefits children and adults with special needs.

For many years, Patsy served at First United Methodist Church in New Albany as a Sunday School teacher, coordinator of programs for education and Wednesday nights and a youth volunteer. She was a Boy Scout mom with two Eagle Scout sons.

Patsy was the hostess of the party, life of the party and everything in between. Her core group of friends stayed by her side through life, from grade school on. She loved dogs, playing with children, cooking big meals for the Provences and Livingstons, planning and decorating for events of those she loved, playing cards, beach trips with friends, a really cold beer especially with raw oysters from The Boathouse, a real Coca-Cola, Ole Miss sports, rock and roll music and funny TV shows.

Patsy is survived by her daughter Amy and her sons, Price (Jennifer) and Hays (Mackenzie). She was a beloved grandmother to Beckett, River and Finn. Patsy was a second mother to many friends and cousins-the Livingston house was open to all.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Patsy is survived by her brother, Bradley (Emily) Provence, brother-in-law, Joe (Christy) Livingston, sisters-in-law, Jamie Grace Provence, Mary Provence, Pricilla (Jon) Reynolds, an aunt and uncle, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 52 years, Stephen Price Livingston, Sr., her brothers, Jerry Provence, Dean "Frog" Provence, Larry "Tadpole" Provence, Donny Provence, sister, Glenda Provence Conlee, her mother-in-law, Marjorie Livingston, father-in-law, Price South "Doc" Livingston, her sister-in-law, Nancy Overby Livingston and her dogs Trapper, Jack and Rip.

The Livingston family would like to thank Bridgette Roberts, Caren Hall and numerous other medical professionals, and caregivers for helping take care of Patsy the last few years. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Dean Provence Endowment of Excellence in Education, 1112 Wesson Tate Drive, New Albany, MS 38652, earmarked Patsy Livingston-Special Education, New Albany Boys and Girls Club, 507 Oak Street, New Albany, MS 38652 or First United Methodist Church, New Albany.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.,  at First United Methodist Church,  Wesley Hall, New Albany, MS.  A celebration of Patsy's life will follow immediately in the sanctuary at 2:00 p.m.

Arrangements Entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of New Albany MS.