Patsy Goolsby

Patsy Goolsby was born in 1956 to Huie and Bea Bray of Fayette County, Ga. She went by Patsy, but thanks to a little mishap with her Sweet 16 birthday cake she was affectionately known as ‘Pasty.’

Her whole life was dedicated to serving others. She participated in Girl Scouts, Rainbow, and her church. As a young adult Patsy served in Spalding County as a Firefighter and Paramedic. It was no easy task being one of few women in a (then) men’s profession. It never stopped her from thriving and inspiring others; especially her own daughter’s career. Patsy later left public safety to work in the family business as management and eventually became a partner. In her retirement Patsy expressed her creative side through her small craft business.

Patsy was most proud to be a wife, mother, and grandmother. She leaves behind her husband of 39 years, Bobby, Jr.; three children Dave (Brittany), Pete (Cynthia), and Tiffany; lifelong best friend Susan; in-laws Melanie, Rod (Jennifer), Todd (Connie), Allen (Cathy); nieces/nephews Rachael (Adam), Onie, and Brandon, Nick, Nate, Jamondi, and Rodney; Grandchildren, Jesse, Hannah (Tyler), Connor, Sarah, Colin, Jackson, Skylar (Michael), and Rhyan whom she loved deeply. Family was so important to Patsy. She took great pride in hosting family gatherings.

Patsy will be widely remembered as everyone’s Mama and Grandma. Their home was always full of extra children, relatives, friends, and anyone who needed a safe place and a good meal. She never let a person or stray animal go hungry. She worked tirelessly to ensure that every person and animal she encountered felt love.

Patsy was preceded in death by her loving parents, Huie and Bea Bray; brother Danny; granddaughter Alexis, and more animals than we could possibly count. Boy what reunion that must have been! Her time on earth was nothing short of challenging. She faced everyone with bravery and grace. On September 1, 2026, Patsy sat that painful body down and picked up a new one that is whole and pain free in Heaven.

The family extends special gratitude to the family members and medical professionals that took on the role of her care team.

Thank you to every person who concentrated their love and attention on her and Bobby during her most recent illness. Thank you all for helping her LIVE. She kept every flower brought to her. In true Patsy fashion she turned the dying flowers into a beautiful dried arrangement that she proudly showed off. Rest assured some of her last words were “Mean as ever and too old to change!”

The family will host a private celebration of life at a later date. If you would like to honor her, please do so by donating to an animal rescue in her name.