Patsy Jane French Hetzel

Patsy French Hetzel, a devoted mother, grandmother, caregiver, and friend, lived a full and meaningful life for 93 years, defined by service, creativity, strong faith, and deep love for her family.

Pat was born February 23, 1933, in Milford, Texas, and passed away March 10, 2026. From an early age, her life was grounded in a strong Christian faith that guided her throughout her life. Her faith was a steady foundation for her family and was reflected in the compassion, generosity, and servant’s heart she showed to others.

On June 22, 1951, she married James Lee French at First Methodist Church in Italy, Texas. James’s work in the oil field industry soon moved them to Monahans, Texas, where their son and daughter were born. In 1962, Pat and James relocated to Tyler, which became their longtime hometown.

After moving to Tyler, Pat spent several years working as the office manager for Dr. Robert R. Gatti and Dr. Donald Knarr. She later devoted herself fully to her family as the loving “home manager” of their household. Pat also lovingly cared for her mother for many years during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

In the early 1980s, she and a close friend started an Alzheimer’s Support Group, spending countless hours visiting with families who were trying to cope with and care for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Pat also conducted Alzheimer’s in-services, educating staff at local nursing facilities. Her vision of providing care and resources for caregivers has grown into the impactful work now carried out by the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County.

Pat was very talented and creative. She was an excellent seamstress, something her daughter especially appreciated since she never had to worry about going somewhere and seeing someone wearing the same outfit. Pat also enjoyed painting. Her husband James cut wood patterns, and she painted the wood figurines. Together they participated in craft shows for several years.

Pat’s happy place was Lake Palestine, where she and James spent many weekends at their lake cabin. It was a special place filled with cherished memories shared with their children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, and friends. Pat loved to fish—whether casting a line, running trotlines with the lake house crew, or bay fishing along the coast.

After 50 years of marriage, Pat’s beloved husband made his journey to meet the Lord. In 2011, Pat remarried Jack Hetzel.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, James Lee French; her son, James Goodman French; and her parents, Rual Lloyd and Willie S. Goodman.

She is survived by her daughter, Jane-Ellen Morris (Walter); grandchildren Jessa French (Derrick Hausen), Justin Morris (Jade), and Meagan Goodwin (Brandt); great-grandchildren Maya and Violet Morris and Lennon and Everett Goodwin; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Bullard Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County.

Pat will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, and the love she poured into her family and community throughout her 93 beautiful years.

A Time of Visitation will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 E 1st St, Tyler, Texas 75701, on March 13, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 E 1st St, Tyler, Texas 75701, on March 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm.