Patsy Ann Baxter

She was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings; her husbands, Douglas Moles and Jim Baxter; a daughter, Terry Dedmon; a son in law, Tony Crockett and her great-grandson, Drew Crockett.

Pat is survived by her son, John Baxter and wife Melissa of Bentonville, Arkansas; two daughters, Lisa Roland of Greenwood, Arkansas, and Jan McClain and husband Kenneth of Greenwood, Arkansas.

She leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Joey Roland and wife Billie; April Roland and wife Amy; Tony Crockett Jr. and wife Sarah; Doug Dedmon and wife Amber; Justin Dedmon and wife Shanyn; Andrew Crockett and wife Cindy; Allison Baxter-Freeman and husband Paul Freeman, Alec Baxter, Ashlee Baxter, Eric McAllister and wife Amelia, and Aaron McAllister and wife Rebecca.

She is also survived by fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Pat’s life was rooted in her deep faith and unwavering devotion to her family. She frequently spent time reading her Bible. A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith for over fifty years, she was a devoted prayer warrior whose strength and compassion touched countless lives.

Pat met the love of her life, Jim, while working together at JC Penney’s. They shared 54 years of marriage, and in all that time, they never stopped being each other’s favorite person. They faced life side by side—celebrating the good, weathering the hard, and finding comfort simply in being together. Their love continues to be an inspiration to those that were privileged to witness it.

She was lovingly known as “Nanny” to almost everyone who knew her. Being “Nanny” was not just a nickname — it was a role she lived beautifully every day.

Nanny worked for Zales jewelry store and then for State Farm before joining her son in business, where she worked alongside him, and her grandson, for more than twenty years. She didn’t just come to work—she changed the atmosphere when she walked in. Her warmth, humor, and steady presence lifted those around her, making the workplace feel lighter, kinder, and more connected. Her influence extended far beyond her role; through her positivity, integrity, and genuine care for others, she shaped the culture itself and left a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.

She was and avid reader and found joy in activities like camping, sewing and cooking, but her greatest passion was encouraging others. When Nanny could no longer walk on her own, she still walked with others through their hardest moments—bringing comfort, courage, and hope. Above all, Nanny was her family’s biggest cheerleader and fiercest advocate. They felt her constant support, steady prayers, and unconditional love in every season of life. There are no words sufficient enough to encompass the depth of her love or the quiet strength and beauty that defined Pat “Nanny” Baxter. Her legacy of kindness and faith will remain with us always.

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, her family came together in a private service to celebrate her life, honoring the legacy of love she leaves behind.