Mary Joyce "Patsy" Jackson Chance

December 24, 1935 - September 22, 2021

Mary Joyce “Patsy” Jackson Chance was born on December 24th 1935 in Cherokee, Alabama to Edgar and Beatrice Jackson. She would go on to become a woman so strong God knew one name just wasn’t going to be enough. One of six siblings, Minnie Mae, Gene, Roy, Tommy, and Lathan — Patsy’s southern, hardworking roots left a lasting impression. Graduating from Cherokee Vocational High School, this young passionate woman fell in love with Paul Thomas Chance (deceased). She was soon married and was off to travel the world as an Air Force wife, a title she would hold for over 20 years. This led her to adventures around the United States, Panama and even Japan. Along the way there was the addition of two children, Paul Ray and Cyndi. Her striking blonde hair, and lean tall figure turned heads everywhere she went. And her fierce sense of style set her miles apart, from her love for leopard print to her memorable big, gold hoops. Matched with an equally bold personality, she was a modern independant woman way before her time. Counting her as a friend meant you had an ally for life. Never one to shy away from the truth, she was always ready to dish out the tough love when it was needed, but always down to laugh and gossip when the occasion called for it. There were many different facets to this incredible woman. From her many years as a waitress, a love for the color peach and sparkles, or her incredibly special connections with angels, she was someone who knew what she liked and was never ashamed about it. For me tho, there was only ever one name for her — Nanny. My cousin Ryan gave her that name, and though I’ve never personally asked him about it it suited her perfectly. She was never your traditional grandmother. Always on par with the current trends, she was fascinating to me. From talking my mom into letting me dye my hair Egyptian Plum in middle school, to making sure I got my dessert when I visited her at work, she always had my back. Our relationship was always such a special one. Even in the midsts of my struggles of trying to find myself as a young adult her love was steadfast. She never made me feel ashamed of mistakes or poor choices I made, instead those became moments she commiserated with me about mistakes of her own…going through my divorce was one such moment. During this time I was so terribly embarrassed, heartbroken and incredibly lost. I’ll never forget her words to me while brushing my hair away from my eyes while my tears were falling — “If something doesn’t work out it’s because God is telling you now isn’t the time. OR He’s telling you to wait. He has something better.” I’m thankful to God that he let me have those moments with her because I needed that love. He gave me that time with her so I wouldn’t have to wait alone. I have a beautiful life now, and while I wish I would have had more time with her so she could see how we all progressed, I know my grandmother is in heaven, happy as can be because as always — she was right. He did have something better. Nanny will always be loved by us, and we will miss our strong matriarch. She is survived by her loving, inseparable partner of twenty years, Bobby Jo Presson. Her children Paul Chance (Sue) and Cyndi Salter (Scott). By her grandchildren: Ryan, Jeff, Brittany (Deceased), Hollie (Morgan), Stacey (Daniel). And her three great grandsons: Eli, Jude, Maxwell and fur baby, Nash (Deceased). Rest in Peace Nanny We love you