Patsy H. Hamilton Dickey

Patsy Hamilton Dickey, brilliant blue-eyed visual artist, poet, novelist, former WSB talk show host, and above all, fierce warrior of a mother and a friend, died on June 12, 2015. She was born in Miami, Florida, on November 11, 1926; raised in Anderson, Indiana (proud to say that she learned to drive in a cornfield at the age of ten); schooled at Indiana University in art and education; wore a velvet dress to marry a handsome LSU track man named Thomas Swift Dickey, who became renowned Civil War artillery collector and historian; kept her lively brother-in-law, the poet, James Dickey, in line; had a variety of careers including modeling for Rich’s Department Store, work in T.V. and film production, and writing for several publications. She was a longstanding member of the historic Every Saturday Club, serving twice as the ESC president. She devoted much of her later life to the exploration of Christianity and served as a committed member of the Church of the Apostles. Defiantly proud and independent, Patsy was a veritable force of nature, and all who knew her were blessed by her deep and powerful love and light. Patsy was preceded in death by her former husband, Thomas S. Dickey, Sr.; son, Thomas S. Dickey, Jr.; parents, Patsy Ruth and Paul C. Hamilton, Sr.; and closest friend, Anne Sanders. Survivors include her daughter, Dorian Marston Dickey; daughter-in-law, Roxanne Dickey; granddaughter, Anna Kangas, and Anna’s husband, Gordon; great grandchildren, Miriam, Thomas, and Josephine Kangas; niece, Bronwen Dickey, and Bronwen’s mother, Deborah Dickey; nephews, Christopher Dickey, Kevin Dickey, and John Hodgins; half-brother, Paul Hamilton, Jr; and her devoted cousins Katie Dickey-Marbut and Fred Hamilton. A service in tribute to her life will be held on Friday, June 19, 2015, at 11 o’clock at the Church of the Apostles, with a reception to follow. A private graveside service will be conducted at Oakland Cemetery following the reception. A visitation will be held at Patterson’s Spring Hill on Thursday, June 18, 2015, from 1 o’clock until 3 o’clock in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to one’s favorite arts or animal rescue organizations.