Patricia Ann Otto

Patricia “Pat” Ann Otto (Spangler) – age 89, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025. She was born on February 18, 1936, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, to James “Ted” and Janett Spangler (King).

A lifelong educator and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Pat graduated from Carson-Newman College in 1957. She began her teaching career in Angola, Indiana, where she also met the love of her life, James “Jim” Otto. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage.

After a few years in Indiana, Pat and Jim settled in Knoxville, where she continued her passion for teaching, first at Brickey-McCloud Elementary, and later at Cedar Bluff Elementary, where she would go on to retire after 41 years of dedicated service to young minds.

A woman of deep faith, Pat was a longtime member of First Baptist Concord, where she helped found and nurture the WEE (Weekday Early Education) program, helping countless children grow spiritually and academically. Even after retirement, her commitment to education never wavered. She continued to tutor and support students, always striving to uplift and encourage.

Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; parents, James “Ted” and Janett Spangler (King); sister, Peggy; grandson, William; sister-in-law, Barbara; and many cherished relatives and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Krista (Kristi); grandchildren, Grayson, Sam, and Sara; brother, Richard “Dick” Spangler; and a host of loving extended family and dear friends whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Berry Highland West (9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville) on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Pat’s memory to Concord Christian Preschool, 11704 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934, continuing her legacy of nurturing children for generations to come.