Patsy Spann Oakley

 Mrs. Patricia Spann Oakley, age 77, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at her home.

            Patsy was born March 14, 1945, in Murray to the late Cross Spann, Jr. and Gladys Miller Spann. She was a 1963 graduate of Murray High School, a 1966 graduate of Murray State University, and earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Oakley taught in the Fayette County School District and taught middle school for the Murray Independent School District. Patsy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Murray and was in the C.W.R. Sunday school class.

            Mrs. Oakley is survived by her husband, Dr. George Oakley of Murray, they married on August 7, 1966, in Murray; two daughters, Elizabeth Oakley Waller of Nashville, Tennessee and Katherine Oakley Kelley of Birmingham, Alabama; two grandchildren, Hugh Wells (McKenzie) and Miller Kelley; great-granddaughter Scout Wells; sister, Nancy Spann Watkins of Louisville, Kentucky; brother, Buddy Miller Spann (Frieda) of Rock Castle, Kentucky; sister-in-law, Mary Jo McMaster (Barry) of Dallas, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Jean Spann Wilson (Beck); one brother, Joe Hal Spann (Sue); and son-in-law, Tony Waller.

Patsy was a devoted wife and mother.  She found her passion in teaching and loved all of her students.  She touched so many lives during her time at Murray Middle School.  Patsy loved her life, family and friends.  Patsy and George were particularly close to a special group dating back to their time at Murray High School and Murray State University.  This group was like family.  They spent many weekends together, enjoying Kentucky Lake, following MSU sports and traveling to Patsy’s favorite place of all, Sarasota, Florida.  All her friends and family are going to miss her dearly.  To put it simply, to know her, was to love her.

            The funeral service for Mrs. Oakley will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. John Dale will officiate, and burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

            Expressions of sympathy can be made to Murray Independent School District, 208 South 13^th Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071, or First Baptist Church, 203 South 4^th Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071, or the Dr. Hugh Oakley Scholarship Fund, Murray State University, Office of Development, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

            Online condolences can be left at www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com

            J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.