Obituary of Patsy Ruth Byers

Patsy Tucker Byers, who inspired generations of students as a teacher and guidance counselor, passed away June 20 at the age of 91 at Brookdale Senior Living in Tullahoma, Tenn. She taught a variety of subjects and grades and served as a counselor in Grundy County schools over a 33-year career in education.

A lifelong learner and teacher, Mrs. Byers received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. In retirement, she was an avid traveler and fan of University of Tennessee sports teams. She spoiled generations of children, both related and not, with her generous gifts.

Mrs. Byers was born in Palmer, Tenn., Sept. 25, 1931, and she lived in Grundy County until moving to East Tennessee in 1987. She moved to Brookdale in Tullahoma three years ago. Mrs. Byers attended United Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal churches in Tracy City, Knoxville, and Tullahoma.

She is survived by her daughter Wanda (Kerry) Sanders; step-son Michael (Patricia) Byers, step-daughters Karen Newton (Jim) and Anita Byers; sisters, Billie Faye Nunley and Linda (Bobby) Rose; step-grandchildren Amanda Miller, Erin Hickman, Meghan Rogers, and Brooke Rodenroth; great grandchildren, Amber Carson and Brandon Willoughby; and step great-grandchildren Isaiah Kitts, Gabriel Kitts, Ava Kitts, Sergio Sanchez, and Michael Glaspie; great-great grandchildren Brandalyn, Jaron, Hannah, Easton, Eli, Audrianna, Addilyn, and Everett; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, W.H. and Minnie Lockhart Geary; her husband, Floyd Byers; her sister, Mary Finchum; granddaughter, Audrey Willoughby; and Bill Tucker, father of her daughter.

Visitation for Mrs. Byers will be Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST at Tracy City Methodist Church with a memorial service at 1 p.m. CST officiated by the Rev. Danny Coffelt. Memorial contributions in honor of Mrs. Byers can be made to Tracy City Methodist Church.