Patsy R. Stapleton

Patsy R. Stapleton, 86, of Amarillo, Texas went home to be with her Lord on April 16, 2022.  She was born on January 7, 1936, to Walter and Lucille Shearer of Odell, Texas.  She grew up initially in Vernon, Texas until the family moved to a farm near Plainview, Texas where she attended school from elementary to senior high.  She graduated from Plainview High School in 1954.

Her future husband, Shelby R. Stapleton, was also a graduate of Plainview High School in 1954 and after their first date during their senior year, they were virtually inseparable.  They married in October 1956 and embarked on a life together for the next 65 years.  After marriage, the couple moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan where Shelby was stationed while serving in the Army.  They returned to Plainview, Texas in the spring of 1957.  She gave birth to two children – a son Dale and a daughter Diane.   She lived in Plainview until 1972 when the family moved to Amarillo.

Throughout her life, Patsy’s family and church were her utmost priorities.  She was a faithful member of the Ninth & Columbia Church of Christ in Plainview and the Central Church of Christ in Amarillo.  She taught the 2 year olds Bible class for many years as well as served as the coordinator for the preschool departments at both churches.  She was a foster parent for 8 newborns from birth to adoption over a two year period in from 1968 – 1970.  In addition, she was an integral member of the kitchen crew for the weekly Wednesday night meal at Central for a number of years.

Patsy enjoyed cooking, especially during the holidays, and excelled at making the most delicious cakes, pies, cookies and candies.  She was especially known for her cherry cobblers and baked countless cobblers for family and church functions over the years.  She loved decorating her home at the holidays and as a very avid collector of all things related to Santa Claus.  Other passions included her strong love of flowers and tending to her flower gardens and yard.  Red was her favorite color.

Patsy is survived by loved family members including her husband Shelby and son Dale, nieces and nephews as well as very special friends including John Todd, Kami, Ellie, Brock and Grant Cornett.  She is preceded in death by her daughter Diane and brother, Jim Shearer.

A celebration of Patsy’s life will be held at the Central Church of Christ in Amarillo on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.    Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Family visitation will be from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at the funeral home.

The family requests that those wishing to make memorials in honor of Patsy do so by donating to The Medical Center League House in Amarillo or a charity of their choosing.