Obituary of Patricia Jane Winstead

Patricia Jane Winstead (August 27, 1943 - August 20, 2021) Patricia "Pat or Patsy" Jane Winstead, age 77, passed away on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at her home in Phoenix, Az., with her daughter by her side. Those who knew Pat often noted they could hear her before they could see her. She had a booming voice, a big laugh, and a beautiful smile. Her quick wit, creativity, devotion to family, humorous stories, and fun-loving joy and energy will be missed by all. Surviving is her daughter, Carrolette Winstead (Julie Garcia and stepson, Gabriel) of Phoenix, Az.; her cousins, Dr. Sherri Brown-Osteen of Augusta, Ga., David P. Brown of Clay, Ky., and Nancy Brown Prenzno of Scottsdale, Az.; a great aunt, Helen Brown-Bickett of Morganfield, Ky.; her "daughter in spirit," Nadine Risley of Evansville, Ind.; and a wide circle of extended family and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents, James and Betty Jo Brown of Evansville, Ind., and her grandparents, Dennie and Floy Brown of Clay, Ky. Pat was born on Aug. 27, 1943, in Union, Ky. Her early years were spent in Evansville, Ind., where she graduated from Reitz High School. At the age of 21, Pat opened her own beauty salon. In her 30s, she changed careers and opened Pat's Path, a popular gift shop specializing in collectibles and floral design. Later in life, Pat relocated from Evansville to Phoenix, Az. There she was employed for several years as the events coordinator for Michael's, teaching a variety of arts and crafts classes and making flower arrangements. A multi-talented artist, Pat enjoyed ceramics, painting, crocheting, knitting, needlework, scrap booking, and jewelry making. Quarantined at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, she designed more than 1,800 pairs of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Pat also loved to cook. She claimed that at just nine years old, with a little supervision, she could put a whole meal on the table. At age 51, after numerous requests to share her recipes, she published a cookbook titled I Don't Care If It's Fattening (I Want Something Good to Eat). Pat always said that her fondest childhood memories were spent on Brown's Ramsey Creek Farm in Kentucky with her beloved grandparents, "Ma" and "Pa," and extended family. Even after moving to the Southwest, Pat spoke with relatives almost every day on the phone and never missed acknowledging a holiday, birthday, or anniversary. Pat enjoyed genealogy research and embraced her role as the Brown family historian. She was able to trace one branch of the family tree back to 13th century Scotland. Undoubtedly, Pat's favorite role in life was that of being a mother. Anyone who knew Pat knew that her "heart and greatest achievement" was Carrolette. Per Pat's request, her body will be cremated, and her ashes will be laid to rest in Kentucky. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local hospice center.