Patricia Louise Criswell (Patsy), age 78 of McCrory, AR departed this life, Thursday January 1, 2026 at Unity Health Hospital in Searcy, AR.

Patsy was born in Parkin, AR on January 4, 1947, the daughter of James and Beatrice Reeves Harper. Patsy was married to the love of her life William (Bill) Criswell in 1962, and the two of them built a life and family in the small town of Earle, AR. Bill and Patsy left Earle in 1986 and move to Pumpkin Bend, AR. Patsy lived there until 2023 and then moved to McCrory, AR. were she spent her final days on this earth.

Patsy was a faithful employee who worked many years at Earle Industries in Earle, AR and at American Greetings in McCrory, AR.

Patsy was a quiet lady in many ways, but she also had a great sense of humor. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. She loved her family, especially those grand babies, and her nieces and nephews.

To her friends she was “Patsy” to her children she was “Mama”, but to many she was “Aunt Patsy” and “Memaw Pat.” Patsy loved staying up late and watching T.V., reading magazines (prevention) and doing some online shopping. One of her greatest joys was getting her hair fixed every week. (Thanks, Linda) She was also the most faithful viewer of the Sugarloaf Baptist Church Facebook Service. She never missed a service and would always comment, “Good Morning from McCrory.” Patsy must have really liked the Preacher.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Beatrice Harper, her husband William Criswell, her son Christopher Criswell, one sister Becky (Harper) Potter, three brothers Billy Harper, Johnny Harper, and Jimmy Harper.

She is survived by one son, Tony Criswell (Tootie) two sisters Judy Brookes (Vernon), Betty Paulson (David) one brother Danny Harper (Beth), four grandchildren Tristan Criswell, Lucas Criswell, Caitlyn, Kennon, and Craig Golden, eleven great grandchildren, and many other wonderful family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Sugarloaf Baptist Church for a Facebook Livestreaming Camera System. 

There will be a Memorial Service held at 1:00pm, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Sugarloaf Baptist Church, 699 Wilburn Rd. Heber Springs, AR. 72543