Patsy Bond Caraway

Patsy Bond Caraway of Jackson passed away peacefully on September 7 with family at her bedside after a short illness. She was born in Hattiesburg on May 1, 1937, to Burma Dyar Bond and Carl Montgomery Bond. Patsy’s mother tragically passed away when she was a year old, but she was raised by her stepmother, Betty Averett Bond, who wonderfully filled the role as her mother and later as grandmother to Patsy’s children.

After attending public schools in Hattiesburg and Meridian, Patsy attended Mississippi College and graduated in 1958. She married her loving husband Natie Priestly Caraway in June of that year and they lived happily together for forty-eight years until his death. Patsy enjoyed teaching in Meridian at Marion Park Elementary School and is still fondly remembered by students. Patsy participated in many activities over the years, but her main interests were her family, church and friends. She loved playing in her bridge clubs and was a longtime member of luncheon clubs where she developed many friendships. She deeply loved her Christian faith and passed that on to her children. As a member of Northminster Baptist Church, she loved participating in various activities including Meals on Wheels, tutoring children at the Yellow Church ministry and the church’s work with students at Spann Elementary School.

No one who knew Patsy had any doubt how important family was to her. She was completely devoted to her children, their spouses and her grandchildren who affectionately called her Grammy. She even knew many of her grandchildren’s friends. She proudly attended countless sporting events, recitals and ballet performances and hosted the family Sunday lunch every Sunday, as recently as two weeks before she passed. Holidays at her house were legendary for the family. She will be greatly missed.

Patsy is survived by her son Mark Caraway, daughter Beth Crasto (David), and son Gregg Caraway (Lida), all of Jackson, and by her grandchildren Dave Crasto (Caroline), Taylor Crasto, William Crasto (Haley), Natie Caraway II (Kirsten) and Ellie Caraway. She further had a special relationship with her sister-in-law Betty Caraway Davis, who survives her as well. Preceding her in death were her husband Natie, her parents, her brothers and sisters-in-law Billy and Madeline Bond and Charlie and Mary Frances Bond, and Natie’s brothers and sister and several of their spouses.

Patsy’s funeral service will be at Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson at 11 a.m., Friday, September 13, preceded by visitation at 9:30 a.m. The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Barksdale for his friendship including, but not limited to, insights on Ole Miss football, as well as excellent care over the years, and the physicians and staff at University of Mississippi Medical Center for the compassion shown during Patsy’s final illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pastor’s Benevolence Fund at Northminster Baptist Church, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, Ms. 39211 or to Stewpot Community Services, 1100 W. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39203.