Patsy Ruth Jones

Patsy “Pat” Ruth Mathis Jones, 77, of Sherwood, Arkansas departed her earthly life Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and entered the eternal gates of heaven. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on December 10, 1947, to Harold and Garlene Corn Mathis. 

Pat grew up attending church at First Baptist Church of Sherwood with her family where she also taught the Girls’ Auxiliary class. She graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1965. Pat was employed at Wood’s Brothers Advertising Agency, her dream job, where she worked on designing advertising and tourism brochures for the State of Arkansas. She later worked for the State of Arkansas’ Department of Human Services in the Office of Long-Term Care. Pat was a proud Lady Elk at North Little Rock’s Elk Lodge #1004 and was married to the love of her life, Gary (“Buck”), for 34 years. 

Pat is survived by her loving sister and brother-in-law, Donna Prock and Pat Prock of Sherwood, AR; and also is survived by all of the following to which she referred to as her “kids”: special nephew, Matt “Matt Matt” Raeburn of Vilonia, AR; special niece and nephew, Danna “Roo” and Garrett “G” Shaffer of Austin, AR; her precious grands, Jordan Raeburn Lee and wife, Kourtney of Cabot, AR; Caden Raeburn and wife, Landry of Vilonia, AR; Clayton Raeburn; Keeley Shaffer; Saylor Shaffer; and great-grand, Ryleigh Lee. 

Pat was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by her parents, Harold and Garlene (Corn) Mathis; her husband and soulmate, Gary Jones; along with many other friends and family. 

Pat was affectionately known to her family as Patsy Woo and Aunt Pat. Pat was the matriarch of the family. Just a few days ago, she said, “we have a small family, but a good family”. She loved fiercely. Pat was protective over her family and was always more concerned for others than herself. She felt tremendous joy helping those around her. Pat had an innate sense of knowing when others were in need and blessing them. She and Gary were two peas in a pod and had the most generous, loving, giving hearts. Pat took great pleasure in planning family gatherings, especially if it included a trip to the casino. She had a lucky streak like none other! Pat never left home without her Carmex and Kleenex. We fully anticipate Wal-Mart to finally be able to keep them in stock now! Pat’s fried chicken was a prized family favorite and could easily put Colonel Sanders’ chicken to shame. Pat’s “kids” will never forget enjoying ice-cold glass bottled Cokes around her kitchen table. She also had a sweet tooth for Hershey Kisses, Reese’s Cups, cheesecake, and brownies. 

Just over a year ago, Pat suddenly lost most of her vision, along with the independence of driving. As a result, her sister, Donna, assisted her with getting to appointments, handling her business, and some day-to-day tasks. Her vision loss prevented her from watching her beloved Razorbacks, Master Chef, doing crossword puzzles, reading books, shopping on Amazon Prime, and scrolling Facebook. Pat was a long time Elvis fan. Just prior to her vision loss, some of the things she enjoyed the most were going to see the Elvis movie in the theater and a family weekend in the Ozarks riding ATVs.

For the last six months, Pat struggled with medical conditions that led to multiple hospital stays. Several months ago, Pat became more reliant on Donna, as her health demands increased. Without a second thought, Donna stepped into the role of full-time caregiver for her big sister, who was also her best friend. As Pat faced one obstacle after another, Donna tirelessly and selflessly advocated for her care even against the toughest battles. Pat strongly put one foot in front of the other no matter how much her health declined. She tearfully, but bravely, held on as long as she did stating, “I’m not ready to leave my family”. Though her physical body was failing, her mind always remained sharp. When Pat finally came to terms with that she was too tired and weary to continue, she widely opened her crystal-clear blue eyes, looked up to heaven, shed a tear, and all of her physical pain escaped her. It was the most beautiful moment. There is comfort in knowing that Pat is walking in paradise, hand in hand with Jesus, but in a new, perfect body. She is now able to see and hear all the glorious sights and sounds that heaven has to offer. 

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. under the Pavilion at Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood, AR with her cousin, Rev. Kevin Spurlin officiating. 

Pallbearers will be Pat Prock, Matt Raeburn, Garrett Shaffer, Jordan Raeburn Lee, Caden Raeburn, Clayton Raeburn, and Honorary Pallbearer, Chris Raeburn.