Patricia Scott Vinzant was born April 6, 1938, and grew up in Vicksburg after spending her early childhood in Oak Grove, La. She was the daughter of Gordon Douglas Scott of Vicksburg and Mary Bailey Scott of Oak Grove.

Mrs. Vinzant graduated from Carr Central High School in Vicksburg in 1956 and attended Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky. She married Douglas H. Vinzant Sr., also from Vicksburg, on Jan. 13, 1957. In January 2009, they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.

Mrs. Vinzant was the mother of six sons — Dr. Douglas Vinzant Jr., senior associate vice president of the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill.; Mr. Gordon Scott Vinzant of the Helstrom Foundation Campus in Olympia, Wash.; Maj. George Walton Vinzant III of Senatobia, Miss.; Lt. Col. John B. Vinzant of Fort Dix, N.J.; William Sydney Vinzant (deceased) of Raymond; and the Rev. Carey Bailey Vinzant of St. Louis, Mo.

Affectionately known as “Miss Patsy,” she worked for 20 years as Deputy Circuit Clerk of Hinds County. She was a member of the Hinds Independent Methodist Church, served in a leadership capacity on the Board of Stewards, taught Sunday school, and played the piano and organ in the services of her church for over 35 years. She also chaired the Missions Committee for the Association of Independent Methodists.

Following an extended illness, she went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Feb. 7, 2009. Her passing was peaceful, leaving this world from her home surrounded by her husband and sons. She made all whose lives she touched better and more beautiful through her kindness, grace and extraordinary love. She is survived by her husband, five sons, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hinds Independent Methodist Church with burial following at the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Raymond is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Hinds Independent Methodist Church, 14938 Old Port Gibson Road, Raymond, MS 39154.