Patsy Dianne Napier passed from this life on June 17, 2026, at the age of 76. Patsy was born in Nashville, lived in many communities throughout Middle Tennessee in her youth, and was a long-time resident of Hermitage. Patsy settled in Hickman in Smith County, TN following her retirement.
Patsy was a 1968 graduate of Lebanon High School, a graduate with honors from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. She went on to earn a master’s degree from Scarritt College for Christian Workers in Nashville. She had a lifelong passion for working with children, taught Sunday School, and served professionally with the United Methodist Church and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. During a career spanning more than thirty years, she developed foster care policy, managed foster care and adoption programs, and trained social workers, foster parents, and judges.
In addition to her work with children, Patsy enjoyed holidays, beaches, sewing, crafts, genealogy, and travel. She especially enjoyed visiting Scotland and was delighted to discover that she was a direct descendant of Scottish kings.
In accordance with her wishes, her ashes will be taken to St. Mahew’s Chapel in Cardross, Scotland, the final resting place of generations of her ancestors.
Patsy was the eldest child of Rev. Marvin Lee Napier, Sr., a Methodist circuit minister, and Alma Carnahan Napier. In addition to her parents,
Patsy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Frank and Maude Jenkins Napier and William and Irene Bates Carnahan; her sister, Judy Elaine Napier Bryan and her brother-in-law, Randall Bryan.
She is survived by her brothers, Marvin Napier and his wife, Elizabeth Napier, of
Huntsville, AL, and Charles Napier of Alexandria, TN. Also surviving Patsy are her
nephew and nieces, Joshua (Rachel) Bryan of Brush Creek, TN, Amanda (Jeff) Mason of Brush Creek, TN, Sarah (Judson) Bailey of Huntsville, Alabama, and Lora (Stephen Lee) Napier of South Orange, New Jersey. Patsy especially treasured surviving great nieces and nephews, including Maggie (Matthew) Davis of Mt. Juliet, McKenzie “Lou” Mason and Jax Mason of Brush Creek; Clayton Bundy, Nathaniel Bryan of Brush Creek, TN; John Bailey and Mary Bailey of Huntsville, AL; Iris Lee and Ada Lee of South Orange, NJ. Patsy is remembered by many dear friends, including Bob and Tammy Ramsey, Norman and Sandy Weber, and David Cole.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Miriam’s Promise, 3701 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215.
Bass Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
