Patsy Sutton
Obituary
Patsy Joan Wright Sutton died on January 8th, 2013, in Tulsa following a stroke at age of 74. Services will be held at 2PM on Friday, January 11th at First United Methodist in Tulsa.
Born July 22, 1938, to Ray J. and Natalie Wright, Patsy was the eldest of four children. She grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and in 1956 graduated from Stillwater High School. Already planning to major in Home Economics at Oklahoma State University, Patsy designed and made her own stunning red velvet formal to wear when she was elected homecoming queen. As a student at OSU, Patsy was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and was also a member of honor societies and other organizations, highlighting a lifelong ability to juggle multiple responsibilities in matchless fashion. At OSU, she met and married her husband of 54 years, Eddie Sutton. They married in June 1958, following Eddie's college graduation.
In 1959, the Suttons moved to Tulsa, where Patsy taught Home Economics at Monroe Junior High School, while her husband coached basketball at Tulsa Central High School. In January of 1965, the Suttons became the parents of a son, Stephen. Soon afterwards, Patsy resigned from teaching to become a homemaker and full partner in Eddie's basketball coaching career. Over the next 42 years, Eddie would accept head coaching positions in Idaho, Nebraska, Arkansas, Kentucky, and finally, at Oklahoma State. "We were ready for an adventure," Patsy later recalled. In her role as coach's wife, she became an avid student of basketball. As a result, Eddie referred to her as "the best assistant coach I ever had" and often said,"Patsy knows almost as much about basketball as I do."
In October 1968, while the Suttons were living in Twin Falls, Idaho, their second son, Sean, was born. The couple's third son, Scott, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in June of 1970. After moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas, Patsy began serving as an unpaid academic and cultural coach to her husband's Arkansas University basketball team. An Arkansas assistant coach said Patsy gave the team "a mother-image that we could relate to." During their 11 years in Arkansas, Patsy actively participated in politics after she and Eddie forged an enduring friendship with then-Governor Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary. Patsy twice successfully ran Clinton gubernatorial campaigns in Washington County, Arkansas, and she and Eddie later stayed overnight at the White House as guests of the Clintons.
An intense love of gardening was another pattern evident throughout Patsy's life. She grew beautiful flowers and plants everywhere she lived. From gardening to financial investment, fashion to politics, antiques to basketball, Patsy's lively, curious mind and analytical nature made her a woman whose advice and knowledge were highly valued by friends and family. Whatever she studied, she mastered, and, like all the best teachers, when she researched a topic, she shared what she learned with others.
She also faced tragedy and adversity with resilience. In a 2002 interview she said, "Everyone faces adversity, no one escapes it, so it became a challenge to overcome it the best we could."
In 2010, Patsy and Eddie retired to Tulsa, where their three adult sons and their families now reside. Her 9 grandchildren have always called her "Honey." Others have called Patsy "the rock," "the steady hand," "the anchor who never allowed triumphs or troubles to divide or destroy her family," or "the model of grace and dignity." No one, however, has summed up Patsy's life better than she, herself: "It's been more than we ever dreamed when we started. It's been fun and exciting, and it's been stressful. But mostly, it's been gratifying every step of the way."
She is survived by her husband, Eddie, of the home, their children, Stephen and Robin Sutton, Sean and Trena Sutton, and Scott and Kim Sutton; grandchildren Stephen, Catherine and Caroline Sutton, Hunter, Spencer, and Parker Sutton, and Hallie, Lauren, and Maggie Sutton. Additional surviving family members include a brother, Gary Wright and spouse Sharon of Stillwater, and two sisters, Shirley Chesbro of Stillwater and Carol Aggers and spouse Richard of Tulsa; and 5 nephews, Tommy Ray Chesbro and Chad Oliverson , Doug and Debbie Chesbro, Todd and Julie Chesbro, David and Christy Wright, and Blake Wright.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Scott Carter Foundation, PO Box 700448, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74170 or Sheerar Museum, 702 S. Duncan Street, Stillwater, OK 74074.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Mr. Eddie, Stephen, Sean, Scott and families, I, along with the rest of the world was deeply saddened by the loss of Ms. Patsy. To the rest of the world, I met the Sutton's when Patsy contacted me back in 2005 to shoot their beach photos on one of their many family vacations to Destin/South Walton. The entire family became one of my favorite clients ever and I truly had an instant love and respect for Patsy. She called again last year, and I was once again honored to shoot their family again at the beach. "Honey" had added a few grandchildren since the previous shoot and it was "time for an update"! My thoughts, love and prayers to your entire family. May God keep you in his loving arms and bring comfort to you in the days to come. Heaven is a much more beautiful place today with Patsy sutton there! God bless you all. Tim Ard
Tim Ard
Please accept my condolences on the sad loss of Mrs. Sutton. I became fond of the family while teaching Hunter at Holland Hall. The Suttons are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron Palma
Coach Sutton, Steve , Sean your are in hearts and prayers. You will always be remembered for your time in Lexington and UK.Patsy was a unique and wonderful lady.Sincerely Hubert and Debbie Hall
Hubert Hall, Jr. DMD and Deborah Stanley Hall
Mr. Sutton, After reading of the passing of your mother Patsy, I was reminded of a moment I spent speaking with her and Eddie at their home in Stillwater. I was simply delivering a large bundle of my father's fresh, homegrown vegetables to your father from my father. They played basketball together in Bucklin, KS, and kept in touch to a degree over the years. Through their connection I was fortunate to attend a number of OSU games, meet a number of exciting players, and even have a picture of myself, our fathers, and Roy Williams together prior to a game, cementing my love for the Cowboy's. To the point, when I arrived at your home, Eddie met me at the door and remembered me, receiving me warmly and accepting the vegetables. Your mother walked up, Eddie introduced us, and Patsy invited me in, which I'm sure Eddie was not particularly keen on. Nonetheless, Patsy offered me something to drink while we discussed the connection between Eddie and my father. She was welcoming and so warm. We chatted briefly, which I remember fondly. Incidentally, I do make a point, though not particularly a fan of ORU, to watch a game or two to see you and Sean coaching together, which is quite cool, to say the least. Please know our thoughts are with you, Sean, Steve, Eddie and your families. Your mother was a wonderful lady. God bless, James P. Dewell, II Topeka, KS
James P. Dewell, II
Coach and Family--During all the hours of entertainment we received while watching OSU basketball games here in little Henryetta OK--we are sure Patsy played a huge role in making that possible. Even though we never had the privilege of meeting her in person-we feel like we knew her through her family. Loved her in the commercials--she outdid you Coach! Our prayers are with all of you. God Bless you. Betty and Everett Allen
Everett & Betty Allen
My prayers and sympathy to the Sutton family! Being a loyal OSU alum, the Sutton family has a place in my memories! God rest her soul and send peace to Eddie, Steve, Sean, Scott and their wives and children!
Susan Furr
Dear Coach and Family: It is with a great sadness in our hearts to learn of the death of such a wonderful lady and OSU's real first lady. We always admired and had such a deep respect for Patsy even though we never actually met. We are life time OSU fans, and forever Eddie and Patsy, Sean and Scott fans. We know she was the rock that held it all together, the icing on a beautiful cake. She was, indeed, an inspirational person. We want your family to know how much she was loved, admired by all the OSU family and everyone who ever knew her. Please accept our sincere condolences and know we pray for the Lord to be with your family and give you peace. God bless your Coach, Steve, Sean, Scott and all the rest of the family. With Deepest Sympathy, Stewart and Kay Johnson
Stewart/Kay Johnson
I wish I could say I had known Patsy. For that matter, I've never really met Eddie. I grew up in Bucklin in the 60's and 70's, where the legend of Eddie Sutton never faded. Even now, I like to tell people that I used to have lunch with Eddie's mom every day. (That's because she was a school lunch cook, and, boy, did they fill those trays with some great food!) When I added Patsy's name to our list of prayer concerns at University United Methodist Church, in Salina, KS, last Sunday, a man I didn't know came up to speak with me afterward. He said, "You grew up in Bucklin?" Then he proceeded to tell me how he had "followed" Eddie. I don't know if you would remember him, but his name is Dick Webb. He's 83 years old, and grew up in the Tescott/Beverly, KS area. Even though I never met Patsy, I almost feel as though I know her from her posts on the Growing Up In Bucklin page on Facebook. She was obviously a warm, down-to-earth person, with an easy smile and a kind heart. May you all find comfort in her memory. God bless you!
Bryan Thompson
I am so sorry for your loss. Patsy was such a wonderful lady. I have many fond memories of her.
Janet Breazeale Scearce
Kim, Scott, Hallie, Lauren, Maggie and the rest of the Sutton family- My heart goes out to all of you with the untimely news of "Honey." She was always so kind when I saw her. She truly was a very special woman, one who's legacy will continue on through all her grandkids and the many, many people whose lives she touched in such special ways! Love you. Hugs, love, and lots of prayers from Colorado to you back home. Tracey
Tracey Stiller
My sincere condolences to the Sutton family. I have many memories of Mrs. Sutton, Nancy Allen, and my mother at our house always having a good time together. God bless you Sutton family.
Benny Breazeale and family
I have fond memories of Patsy...we spent pleasant summer hours in Nancy Allen's backyard, just chatting and laughing; I know Patsy will be missed.
Diane Breazeale