Patsy Sue Thrasher

Born 1931 Died 2026

Patsy Sue Thrasher, 94 of Mansfield, TX, formerly of Shawnee, OK died on January 15, 2026. She was born in Seminole, OK in 1931 to Franklin Robert Nelson and Francis Cathryn Heidinger Nelson and grew up on a farm outside Shawnee with one sister, Peggy Johnson. She attended Shawnee High School graduating in 1949 and then going to work in the insurance industry for many years. She completed her career at Oklahoma Baptist University working as a textbook manager until her retirement in 1996.

She met her husband, Don, through her friend Aljnita who was Don’s sister. They eloped on March 8, 1931, in Wynnewood, OK, keeping their marriage a secret from their families for a few weeks. This has jokingly become the scandal of the family. She didn’t remember the details completely but believes they eloped to take advantage of some military benefits.

Don and Pat were parents to three daughters, Pamala Anne Thrasher, Sherma Sue Knox, and Brenda Sue Kay Harris.

Pat was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Shawnee, OK. She was saved at an open air revival and joined the church in 1943 when she was 12 years old. She was still a member of Immanuel at the time of her death attending online and receiving Sunday School notes from her dear friend, Manoi Adair. That adds up to 82 years of membership at the same church.

Her gift of service during her years at Immanuel consisted of many things but her favorite was singing in the choir, leading music in various departments, and on occasion singing solos for the worship service. One story she loved to tell was about when the pastor at that time, Lawrence Stewart, called her at home one morning before church and asked her to sing a song at a certain point during his sermon. She said at the time she didn’t know how to say no, so she agreed. She told none of her friends in the choir so it came as quite a shock when Reverend Stewart made the

comment that he never heard his grandmother complain but he often heard her sing … at which point, Pat belted out the words to the hymn “I’m a Child of the King.” Her friends in the choir were startled to say the least.

One of her favorite seasons of life was becoming Gran to 8 grandkids and then 29 great grandkids. Pat and Don were hands-on grandparents, taking them fishing, riding bikes with them, getting down on the floor and playing games with them, and taking them on trips. One favorite story is the time Pat got the nickname Granbo (Rambo) because she chopped the head off a snake with a hoe and rode home on her bike with a broken toe.

She had the wonderful habit of praying weekly for her family and said a special prayer for every child, spouse, grandchild and great grandchild on their birthday which she kept track of on her calendar.

Some of her favorite activities included working jigsaw puzzles, doing crossword puzzles, sudoku, word search, and playing computer games.She loved eating out at I-Hop, Cracker Barrel and Cotton Patch. She was an avid reader and loved to study the Bible. She was a member of two different Bible study groups at the senior living center in Mansfield. She also attended exercise class twice a week although she didn’t love that but made the choice to do it for her health.

The greatest thing about Pat was her unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. She often spoke of the gift of faith God had given her, and she lived that faith with quiet confidence and a peace that seemed to transcend human understanding. She never wavered in her beliefs, never complained, and consistently recognized God’s hand in every circumstance. Through it all, she continually pointed her family and all who came in contact with her to God. Her favorite hymn, Because He Lives, beautifully reflected the hope and assurance that defined her life.

She often said, “When a Christian walks with the Lord daily, stepping into His presence through death is not a big step but a natural one.” She modeled this truth with dignity and grace.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, her husband, Theran Donald Thrasher and her daughter Pamala Anne Thrasher.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherma Knox and husband, Mark of

Mansfield, TX and her daughter Brenda Sue Kay Harris and husband, Gerald of Wilburton, OK; 8 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Funeral services will be private. A graveside service will be held at a future date in Shawnee, OK. Memorial donations can be made to Immanuel Baptist Church of Shawnee, OK, 1451 E 45th St, Shawnee, OK 74804.

Pat’s favorite scriptures:

“He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord.” Isaiah 26:3

“He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him.” Psalm 112:7

“We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. This I declare, that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him." Psalm 91:1-2