Patsy Ann (Coker) Elliott, 87, passed away on October 20, 2026. She was born on November 9, 1938, to Guy Shelby Coker and Katie Lucille (Weaver) Coker, who preceded her in death.
Patsy is survived by her daughter, Mela Dee Woodard; her granddaughter, Shelby Kate Gentry and husband Andrew; her brother, Dr. Don Coker and wife Dr. Virginia Coker; her nieces, Kimberly Butler and husband Ken, and Rebecca Madewell and husband Quint; and many other beloved family members and friends.
A lifelong educator and musician, Patsy graduated from Paris High School in 1956 and earned a Bachelor of Music Education from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, in 1960. She continued her studies as a graduate assistant in the university’s Music Department, completing graduate work in 1961.
Over a teaching career that spanned 49 years, Patsy shared her passion for music with thousands of students. She taught in Ashdown, Arkansas; Snyder, Texas; and Paris, Texas, serving in music and choir programs at Central Elementary, Travis Junior High, Crockett Junior High, East Paris Elementary, and A.M. Aikin Elementary. In addition to her work in the classroom, she taught private piano lessons from her home for many years, helping generations of young musicians develop both skill and confidence.
From 1979 through 1982, Patsy spent four summers at North Central Michigan College working with Young Americans and American Music Theatre, Ltd. She served as Vocal Director, Accompanist, and Beginning Theory Instructor. In 1982, she also served as tour manager for the Young Americans Tri-State Tour production of The Pirates of Penzance.
Her commitment to the arts extended well beyond education. Patsy served on the board of the Paris Community Concert Association for more than 20 years and held leadership roles as a member, vice president, and president of organizations including the Paris Music Study Club, Paris Motet Choir, and Tempo Music Club. She was also deeply involved with Paris Community Theatre, where she served as an actress, accompanist, vocal coach, and musical director for more than 20 productions, often sharing the stage and rehearsal hall with her daughter and granddaughter.
Among her many accomplishments, Patsy found her greatest joy in seeing former students become music teachers themselves and in hearing from parents about the difference she had made in their children’s lives.
Patsy never met a stranger. She loved people, and people loved her. Whether through music, teaching, or friendship, she made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. She especially treasured the time she spent making music with her daughter and
granddaughter. Her kindness, love, and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
There will be no formal funeral service. The family will welcome friends and loved ones for a visitation at her home on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to your local school district’s fine arts department in support of music education, a cause that was close to Patsy’s heart throughout her life and career.
Cremation was under the care and direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
