Patricia Parks Kelsey, a sixth-generation native of Waxahachie, passed from this earthly life on June 7, 2026. Patricia took great pride in her deep Waxahachie roots. Her third-great-grandfather, Joseph Norman Whittenburg, moved to Ellis County in 1848. Patricia was born on the Parks family property on November 1, 1932, in her family home on what later became Parks School House Road. Her parents were Dorris Garvin and Cecil Parks. Patricia graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1950 and later attended Draughon’s Business School. In 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, Forrest Bradley Kelsey. They shared 60 years of marriage before Forrest’s death in 2012.

Patricia’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was actively involved in all their endeavors. She was a devoted member of Main Street Christian Church, which later became First Christian Church, for 62 years. During that time, she held many church offices. She was especially proud that four generations of her family were members of the church. In 1994, Patricia moved her membership to Ferris Heights United Methodist Church, where she formed many close friendships and loved being part of the Fellowship Class and United Methodist Women.

Patricia also dearly loved The Hallmark Shop, Briarpatch #3 where she worked for many years. The women who worked there, along with many customers, became like family to her. She was deeply thankful for the prayers, care, and concern this extended circle of friends offered whenever her family faced difficult times. Patricia often said, “Prayer works.”

Patricia loved to be outside in the garden and accumulated quite a selection of yard art. Her mother passed on to her and the rest of the family the love of the Iris. Her children and grandchildren have these iris growing in their own gardens as part of her legacy. One of her favorite gardening activities was weed-eating, occasionally weed-eating her feet. She loved watching the birds. Squirrels were the only one of God’s creations that she hated.

Patricia is survived by her three children: Cynthia Ann Kelsey Winker (Steve), Gerald Neal Kelsey (Vicki), and Tricia Jean Kelsey Peyrot.

She is also survived by six grandchildren: John Winker (Lesley), Mark Winker (Jordon), Michel Kelsey (Kaity), Katy Kelsey Long (Chris), Kelsey Peyrot Cruse (Landon), and Preston Peyrot.

Her five great-grandchildren are Marshall Winker, Ellie Venable, Claire Kelsey, Cooper Kelsey, and Clara Cruse.

Patricia was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ida and W.A. Parks and Lynn and Joseph Garvin; her parents, Dorris and Cecil Parks; her grandson, Michael Kelsey Winker; her husband, Forrest Bradley Kelsey; and her son-in-law, J.D. Peyrot.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral service at 2:00 p.m. on June 30, 2026, at Ferris Heights Methodist Church, 108 Center Street, Waxahachie, Texas. Burial will follow at Waxahachie City Cemetery.