Patsy Leary

Patsy Lane Leary died peacefully at her home in Hamilton, GA on September 23, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Evangel Church, 5350 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA at 3:00 PM with Reverend Paul Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held in the Sanctuary at Evangel Church from 1:00-3:00 PM prior to the service.

Patsy was born in Columbus, GA on December 10, 1945, the daughter of Woodrow Wilson and Anne Dugas Lane. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1963 and then went to Auburn University where she earned her degree in Education in 1967. She married her beloved husband, Ralph Glenn Leary, Sr. on August 7,1964 and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Patsy taught school at Eastside Elementary in Columbus and then went on to work at Leary & Brown Builders for over 20 years. She served tirelessly on the Piedmont Breast Cancer committee raising funds to support breast cancer awareness.

Her love of flowers and nature was cultivated at an early age from her father. She adored watching the eagles, deer and hummingbirds at her country home. She cherished the camellias that were transported from her parents’ home and she often photographed these in her incredible Facebook posts.

She was the quiet disciple, the family’s matriarch, and the consummate cheerleader. She was our hero, our lighthouse and life organizer. She was at every sporting event, dance recital and swimming meet supporting her children, grandchildren and nieces. She honored so many people with her southern cuisine, homemade cakes and sweets, peach jam and seafood gumbo. She also loved traveling with her family and grandchildren to cheer on the Auburn Tigers wherever they were playing. War Eagle was her battle cry!!

She loved her Florida home where she found strength and comfort watching the sunrises and sunsets. She and Ralph shared their home with their family and friends and cherished every moment spent building lasting memories forever.

Patsy loved her church immensely and served so graciously in a myriad of ways by singing in the choir. Additionally, she was a long-time member of the Versatile Circle, the Joint Heirs Sunday School class and the Care Ministry.

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts she provided to this community and friends from far and near, were her daily devotionals on Facebook. So many people began their day rejoicing in her profound, inspiring and inspirational words from the Lord. Her encouragement was as bright as her contagious smile and countenance. Her impact on others will carry on for generations.

She is survived by her loving husband Ralph, her sons, Ralph G. Leary, Jr. and wife Leslie, Richard W. Leary and wife, Beth, grandchildren, Ralph G. Leary III, Rachel Leary, Anna Leary Voltz and husband Bo, Abby Leary, Alex Leary, sister-in-law, Betty Leary Henry, nieces Lisa Lane White and husband Sonny, Jill H. Struthers and husband Craig, nephews Dwight Leary and wife Deana, Hal Leary and wife Jennifer, Keith Leary and wife Becky, Brett Leary and wife Mary, Ross Leary and wife Tracy, Kevin Henry and wife Jill and numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother Richard Lane, brother in laws Robert Henry and Evan Leary, niece Courtney Lane Farmer, and nephew Greg Henry.

Our heartfelt love and appreciation to her caregivers, Viola Parham, Mary Jo Snead, and Tony Miller, from Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Teen Challenge, Evangel Church Missionary Fund, or the Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation to support Breast Care.