Patsy Miles Searcy

June 20, 1926 - January 5, 2017

Patsy Miles Searcy, 90, of Hot Springs passed away Thursday January 5, 2017. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Walter Mason Searcy, her parents, O.O. & Lenolia Mitchell Miles and siblings, Jackie Yocum, Vincent L. Miles and Wileen Rogers. Patsy is survived by her children, Robert Mason Searcy (Mary) of Little Rock, Joseph Patrick Searcy (Mickey) of North Little Rock and Susan Margaret Strain (Mike) of Covington, Louisiana; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Cooperrider (Daniel) of Cornwall, Vermont, Mickey Ann Willett (Cory) of Little Rock, Maggie Searcy of New York, New York, Michael Strain (Jason) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Melissa Strain of New York, New York and Thurston Matthew Bauer (Hannah) of Little Rock; her great grandchildren, Maddox, Tucker and Zoe Bauer; sisters, Betty Thomas of Little Rock and Nancy Dees (James) of Sugarland, Texas. Lenolia Orla “Patsy”, as her mother insisted she be called, lived her entire life in Hot Springs, born June 20, 1926; graduated Hot Springs High 1944 and Henderson State Teachers College with a degree in Physical Education. Her first job was teaching study hall and senior class sponsor at Clarksville High School. Patsy and her husband moved back to Hot Springs in 1950 where she delved fully into volunteering in civic activities, church and her children’s interest. She was president of every group she was involved with, Junior Auxiliary, Criterion Club, Sewing Club, Jones School PTA, Henderson Alumnae, YWCA Board and more. If she was in a group that did not have an official name, she would give it a name and lead it. Never leaving education behind, Patsy went back to Henderson and obtained a Master’s in Guidance Counseling. Being a Guidance Counselor at Hot Springs High for more than 20 years gave Patsy the opportunity to help a countless number of young people lead productive lives. A lifelong member of Central Baptist Church, Patsy taught Sunday School, cooked for Women on Missions and at 90, served on the Pastoral search committee. Hospitality, cooking and entertaining were her specialties. A foodie before there was such a word, for years she continued to cook, host and entertain for church, family and friends. “I can’t see and can’t hear but that will not slow me down “was a saying of hers. She loved people, touched lives and had a Polly Anna attitude second to none, she will be missed but never forgotten. Visitation will be 10:00 AM Monday January 9th at Central Baptist Church with services to follow at 11:00 with Reverend Tim Hale and Reverend Coy Sample officiating. Private burial will follow at Ten Mile Cemetery. Pallbearers are Dr. Mike Strain, Don Crone, Dr. Danny Rowe, Anthony Valinoti, Michael Strain, Dr. Thurston Bauer, Daniel Cooperrider and Cory Willett. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Geurin, Paul Mascho, Clyde Covington and Mike Patel. Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, 1035 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901.