Patsy Ann Diggs

At age 12 Patsy accepted Jesus as her Savior. From then on, Patsy was always part of a church, contributing where Patsy could. Patsy grew up in Sherman Texas, along with her two sisters Betty Faye Lieby and Loe Etta Johnson. She retired from Rose State College in Midwest City Oklahoma in 1985.

Patsy married Phillip Payne in 1953, and together they had three children: Joel Tipton Payne (deceased), Dale Ann Payne and Phillip Owen Payne. This marriage ended in 1980.

In 1983, Patsy married Bill Horace Diggs in a family-oriented ceremony. For 37 years they served God together through the Gideon’s Bible ministry and by visiting house-bound adults – bringing a time of joy in the sad places. In 2010 they moved to Dallas TX. We only wish we could have found a ministry for them once they moved to Dallas, but health got in the way.

Patsy was somewhat the stereotypical wife of her generation, but with a twist – her marriage to Bill was a partnership. They did things together, and divided up the household chores. Patsy would cook, and he would clean up – every meal. Her training and experience as a secretary were often used in keeping her household organized. Patsy helped keep meticulous records, and Patsy often cataloged and re-cataloged files for the two of them.

Patsy loved her children – all of them, and Patsy really loved her grandchildren. She always waited for the latest news from Heather and Melissa. Her heart broke when her eldest son, Joel died. But Patsy had assurance that they would be reunited someday. And now Patsy holds Joel in her arms again.

Some of her newest “children” could not attend Dad and Patsy’s wedding, due to business constraints. But when they finally met, Patsy quickly endeared herself to them. Patsy and Bill had shared values, and together they made a difference in the world.

Patsy has two living children: Dale Adams (Dave) (Granddaughters Melissa and Heather) and Philip Payne. With Bill, Patsy has four step-children, whom Patsy loved as her own: David Diggs (Grace) (Grandchildren: Christina and Gordon), Carol Diggs (Jim Siegel) (Granddaughter Lindsay Ruland/Diggs, deceased), Robert Diggs (Mary Howard), and James Diggs (Barbara).

Yes, her faith in Jesus was strong. And today, Patsy walks with her parents Jeffie and Mattie, her beloved Bill and son Joel in the streets of heaven.