Feb. 20, 1932 – Jan. 28, 2021
Patsy Mae Horn passed peacefully from this life surrounded by family and stepped into heaven on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the age of 88. On Feb. 20, 1932, Patsy Mae Horn was born in DeQuincy to Sophie Johanna Kroger and Earnest T. Bobbitt.
During the early years of her life, Patsy spent her days being “Big Sis” to her three sisters at the family’s homestead on the outskirts of DeQuincy or discovering her artistic capabilities. Patsy was known by close friends and family for her innate ability to bring life to a canvas and portrait.
After graduating from DeQuincy High School in 1948, Patsy enrolled in business and leadership classes at McNeese University in Lake Charles. Time spent within these classes allowed her to develop her management skills which became a direct influence in her role as the Executive Assistant to the Warden at Phelps Correctional Center in DeQuincy.
It was also during this time that Patsy married Governor Readis Horn, Jr., her husband of 60 years, on Nov. 23, 1957. During her tenure from 1966 to 1997 at Phelps, Patsy took initiative and became a steady influence to the department with her roles that included secretarial duties, human resource and legal aide and appeal processing which led to her providing effective leadership council to the warden. After a short stint at home following her retirement from the correctional center, Patsy invested her time into the remodeling of her home and pursuing her passion in home decor and worked in the drapery department at JC Penney Department Store in Lake Charles.
With a love for the outdoors and the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, Patsy and Readis made the transition and moved to Mena, Ark. where their youngest son lived. While Readis was spending time on the lake, Patsy spent her days making their newly bought Arkansas house a home. Whether it was strolling the aisles of antique malls or browsing estate sales, Patsy curated a home filled with victorian treasures.
Another area in her life that brought joy during her retirement years was her passion and love of cooking and serving others. As ladies and church families ventured to the hills of Arkansas, a must-stop for them was the home of Patsy and Readis. It was there they would be welcomed with a warm smile and a warm pot of gumbo or an assortment of decadent sweets.
Whether she was cooking for her family, her Pastor and his wife or hosting a gathering, the very best would be served. For many years, children from the bus ministry of the Abundant Life UPC would be greeted with donuts and a glass of juice by “Sis. Horn” and during church servings, you would often hear the questions asked, “What did Sis. Horn bring?” Her ability to cook and serve others was a definite God-given gift.
Another gift in which family and friends will always remember of Patsy was the care she provided to her nieces and nephews and opening her home to them over the years. Whether it was for a night, a day or an extended stay, they knew that their “Aunt Patsy” would allow them to stay and be a part of the family.
Patsy was a member of the Abundant Life UPC where she attended faithfully and loved her Pastor Reverend Jack Smith and his wife Donna. She loved preaching, God and the truth.
Patsy leaves behind to cherish her memory four children: Jolene (Terry) Broxson of DeQuincy, John (Darlene) Burnitt of Magnolia, Texas, Ernie (Tina) Horn of Chenier Perdue, and Dustin (Elizabeth) Horn of Mena, Ark. “Maw Maw” Patsy will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren, Alicia (David) Guidry of DeQuincy, Cory (Denise) Broxson of DeQuincy, Alan (Lori) Burnitt of Flowood, Miss., Jonathan Burnitt of Portland, Oregon, Ethan Burnitt of Spring, Texas, Chase (Katelyn) Horn of Lake Charles, Katelyn (Mitch) Thomas of Lake Charles, Dustin D. Horn, II of Springfield, Mo. and Sophie (Mathew) Meade of Mena, Ark. She will also be missed by her great-grandchildren, Matthew Broxson, Emily Broxson, Sarah Guidry, Nick Guidry, Briana Broxson, Noah Broxson, Hudson Burnitt, Holton Burnitt, Henley Grace Thomas, Dylan Fisher Meade and Hillary Rose Horn. Patsy is also survived by her sister, Danielle Cherry of Prairieville; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and her ‘fur babies’, Snickers and Snoodles.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first spouse, Edward S. Burnitt, Jr. and husband, Governor Readis Horn, Jr.; two sisters, Alice Blake and Johanna Crowe; and grandson, Michael Broxson.
Visitation for family and friends was from 12 until 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church in Mena, Ark. Patsy’s life celebration was held immediately following visitation at Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church with Reverend Jack Smith officiating. Interment was held at Belmont Cemetery in Belmont at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena.
Serving as pallbearers during the memorial service were Terry Broxson, Ethan Burnitt, John Burnitt, Cory Broxson, Ernie Horn and Mathew Meade. Serving as pallbearers at the graveside service were Terry Broxson, Alan Burnitt, John Burnitt, Chase Horn, Dustin Horn and Ernie Horn.
