Patsy Cooksey

Patsy Mullins Naylor Cooksey, Abilene, passed away Monday, January 13, 2014, following a sixteenyear struggle with Alzheimers.

Longtime Abilene Real Estate Broker, Patsy, was born July 6, 1936, in Brownwood, Texas, to Reatha and Johnny Leon Pete Mullins. Along with her brother, Maxey, the family lived in several West Central Texas towns, moving with the oil field expansion of the 1940s. Graduating from Haskell High School, 1954, and HardinSimmons University, 1970, Patsy always valued education. She inspired and helped many young women achieve their educational goals.

Coming to Abilene in 1954 to start her pursuit of an elementary education degree at HardinSimmons, Patsy joined First Baptist Church of Abilene where she remained a faithful member. Her strong faith was an example to all, especially during the early years of her disease.

Above all else, Patsy valued family and faith. The world has seldom seen the equal of Patsy as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. Until she was disabled by Alzheimers, Patsy made even ordinary activities special. Special occasions were always made extraordinary with Patsys genuine hospitality and gracious style.

Patsy was very active with civic, professional, and church involvements until her illness made that no longer possible. She is remembered by many for her skilled leadership when she served as president for Abilene Board of Realtors, Abilene Insurance Women, Altrusa International of Abilene, and on several other community boards. Patsy was particularly proud of the work she did with the Fair Housing Board of the Abilene Board of Realtors. Her passion and hard work lead to groundbreaking public policy for all people to have fair and equal access to safe and quality housing.

Among her achievements, the Abilene Board of Realtors recognized Patsy as the Realtor of the Year in 1991, she served as president of Altrusa International of Abilene in 1976, was president of the Abilene Board of Realtors in 1975, and was named Insurance Woman of the Year in 1973. Patsy possessed a quiet, professional, and always elegant demeanor, which help make it possible for other women to enter into a heretofore mans world. She knew how to do business, but always conducted herself as a lady.

Patsy is survived by her son, Vance Naylor Cooksey and wife Mary of Abilene grandchildren, Chad Cooksey and wife Lori of Norman, OK, Rex Cooksey and fianc Claire of Tyler TX and Georgiana Cooksey of Abilene brother, Maxey Mullins and wife Sharon of Midland, TX nephews, Jeffery Mullins and wife Jessica of Allen, TX, Joel Mullins and wife Gayla of Huda, TX and several grand nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Ray Naylor husband, Lionel Joseph Cooksey and her parents.

Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 16th at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, with Dr. Phil Christopher, Dr. Cliff Stewart, and Reverend Monsignor Frederick Nawarskas officiating. Music for the celebration will be provided by Betty and Charlie Hukill and The Reverend Mary Glover. The family will receive friends and celebrate Patsy, 47 p.m. at the home of Vance and Mary Cooksey, 2209 Shoreline Drive, that evening.

The offices of Cooksey Company REALTORS will be closed all day January 16th so that staff can attend services and to show respect for Patsys leadership of the business for nearly 50 years.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests the MullinsCooksey Scholarship Fund at HardinSimmons Universitys School of Music, HSU Box 16100, Abilene, TX 79698 or a charity of the donors choice.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Joseph Ferguson, Coronado Nursing Center and Hendrick Hospice Care.

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:46

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