Patricia Susan Terrell

Patricia Susan Terrell, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026. She was born on August 10, 1938, in Kermit, Texas, to Wallace O'Neil Nash and Victoria Eugene Sanderson, their beloved only child.

Patricia was raised in Long Beach, California, where she graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School. Following graduation, she began working as a secretary in the oil industry. It was there that she met the love of her life, Kenneth Ray, whom she later married. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion, and were blessed with two children.

Patricia was a deeply supportive and loving mother whose family was always her greatest priority. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Those who knew her often said she was the kind of grandmother everyone would want—full of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

She had a creative spirit and found great joy in crafting, baking, and cake decorating. Patricia was especially talented at cross-stitching and quilting. One of her most cherished creations was a special quilt she lovingly made from her grandsons’ baseball jerseys, transforming treasured memories into a family heirloom.

Patricia also loved to travel and enjoyed music and dancing. She was a devoted fan of Elvis and could often be found listening to his music. She had a playful and mischievous sense of humor, and her family quickly learned that whenever they heard her sweet little giggle, she was probably up to something. One of her favorite playful tricks was hiding her cane from family members just to see their reactions.

She loved spending time outdoors, where she enjoyed gardening and watching the birds that gathered at the many feeders she kept in her yard. Patricia also had a lifelong love of horses, having grown up around them during her youth.

A woman of strong faith, Patricia was a very active and devoted member of Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler, Texas, where she found fellowship and community.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Ray; her parents, Wallace O'Neil Nash and Victoria Eugene Sanderson; and her son, Gregory Nelson Terrell, and his wife, Linda.

She is survived by her daughter, Melanie Graham and her husband Bruce Graham of North Richland Hills, Texas; her grandchildren, Justin Graham and his wife Lauren Graham, Earnest Terrell and his wife Mandy Terrell, Victoria Creech, Jessica Young and her husband Freddie Young; and her great-grandchildren, Adalynn Graham, Timothy Terrell, Theodore Terrell, Jordan Terrell, Sofia Creech, Daniel Creech, and Micah Creech. She is also survived by a host of extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Patricia will be remembered for her loving heart, her playful spirit, her creativity, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. Her laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for her family will live on in the many lives she touched.