Patsy Higgins Rushing's Obituary
Patsy Higgins Rushing, 67, of Memphis, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2022.
Patsy was born December 17, 1954 in Memphis, Tennessee, the fourth daughter of the late W.T. and Justine (Lowrey) Higgins. Patsy is survived by her loving husband of forty-two years, Dr. Van Rushing; their children Dalton (Stacey Rushing), Justine (Mark Patterson), Spencer, and Molly; grandchildren Emmaline and Anna Rushing; sisters Linda Jones (Ken), Brenda Harris (Don), and Diane Mays (Kit); and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom loved their “Aunt Patsy.” She is predeceased by her parents and a sister, Janet Higgins.
Patsy received her undergraduate degree in nursing from Memphis State University, where she was an active member of Pi Beta Phi. She began a distinguished career in teaching and nursing, becoming the first Critical Care Registered Nurse in the city of Memphis. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Nursing Education, and she was very proud of the fact that she developed and taught the ICU course for nurses at Baptist Hospital.
Among her passions were fishing, game nights with family, gardening, and sharing watermelons with family and friends, always from her favorite supplier, Mr. Lincoln Chalmers. She loved the music of John Prine and Mac Macanally, and she approached life with a spirit that never let her do things half-way. Most important to Patsy was her faith in Jesus Christ.
The service to celebrate Patsy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 1pm at Grace Evangelical Church, 9750 Wolf River Blvd, Germantown, TN 38139, Dr. Jimmy Young officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, October 21 at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. Memorial donations in Patsy’s memory may be directed to a charity of your choice.
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