Patsy Ann Bozeman Sheffield, 77

December 9, 1947  –  January 19, 2025

TUPELO – Mrs. Patsy Ann Fortenberry Bozeman Sheffield, age 77, died peacefully, January 19, 2025 at her Tupelo residence surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Pike County on December 9, 1947, and was one of 5 children born to the late Milton and Norma Alford Fortenberry of Magnolia, MS. Patsy was a 1966 graduate of South Pike High School where she was chosen as class favorite, Sr Homecoming Maid and Most Outstanding Student in Home Economics. She was also crowned Pike County Farm Bureau Queen in 1966.

Patsy graduated from Southwest Mississippi Junior College in 1968, and it was there that she felt God calling her to the ministry, although she did not know the exact nature of her calling. Her call became clear when she married Donald Bozeman on May 25, 1968. They began pastoral ministry together, serving First Baptist Church in Springfield, LA, from 1970-1974. Next, they served at First Baptist Church in Jackson, LA, from 1974-1982, then to Southside Baptist Church in Jackson, MS, until Donald’s death in 1996. During those years they had two children, Brent Bozeman and Jan Bozeman (Haas).

God blessed Patsy when she met Dr. Forrest Sheffield while working at the Baptist building in Jackson with the help of friends, Keily Young, Sonny Atkins and Don Lum. He too is a pastor, and God continued her calling to ministry when they married on April 12, 2003. She was a godly wife and wonderfully supported his ministry at Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo, MS, for twelve years.

Forrest has cared for her devotedly at their home since her illness with Alzheimer’s. His care for Patsy has been his highest goal and lived out the vow, “Till death do us part.” He has sought to love her as Christ loveth the church both sacrificially and supremely. His love and devotion to her is characterized by what he wrote and quoted to her often, “Patsy, you half my sorrow, you double my joy; you triple the person I ever thought I would find to be mine; you quadruple my expectation of happiness for the future.”

A special thanks to her caregivers: Jessica Tackett (10 years), Martha Miller (11 years) and many hospice caregivers including Tracy Stewart, a nurse and caregiver. Patsy was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in early 2005, and lived with this dreaded disease, like everything else in her life, with grace and dignity.

Patsy Bozeman Sheffield was indeed a rare woman, well known for her inward and outward beauty. She also enjoyed an exceptional reputation as one whose immense love for everyone she met was only superseded by her love and adoration for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was unique in all ways important. In her prayer room, one that she had custom built into their home, she spent countless hours praising her Lord and petitioning him on behalf of all those for whom she cared so much.

Although she never had formal culinary training, she was an extraordinary cook, known for a variety of dishes, especially her Italian Cream Cake, and motivated by her pleasure in seeing great joy on the faces of all who sat at her table. Although she never had formal training in counseling, her practical wisdom and compassionate ear were regularly sought by her friends and church members over the years. Although she never had formal training in theology, she loved God’s Word, far above other books, and could be found in deep study and prayer before the sun rose each morning. She was an outstanding Bible teacher, known for her detailed preparation and the passion of her message.

Her hands were busy providing for her family and friends, her heart was soft with a deep affection for her church, her spirit was radiantly alive with the Spirit of Christ indwelling, and her feet were beautiful to bring the good news to anyone lost. She was indeed the Proverbs 31 wife and mother. Today, her children and well as all who knew her, “rise up and call her blessed.”

A service honoring her life will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo. Dr. Jim Futral will officiate with others speaking. Visitation will be from 4 PM-7PM Tuesday night, Jan. 21, 2025 and at 10 AM Wednesday-all at Harrisburg Baptist Church, 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd, Tupelo, MS. 38801. Private burial will be at East Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Magnolia, Ms. at 1 PM Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends. The service may be seen on the Harrisburg Baptist Church Facebook page on Wednesday.

Pasty was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Norma Fortenberry; brother, Carroll Fortenberry (Mary); sister, Jean Maher (Bob); ML Fortenberry (Sherry); late husband, Dr. Donald N. Bozeman.. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Forrest Sheffield of Tupelo, Ms. and her children, Dr. Brent Bozeman of Thibodaux. La; Jan Bozeman Haas (William) of Brandon, Ms.; her grandchildren are Zac Bozeman (Katelin), great grandson, Baylor Bozeman; Brady Bozeman of Senatobia, Ms.; Landon, Nelson and Rachel Haas Brandon, Ms. Her children by marriage Nathan Sheffield (Leah) of Saltillo, Ms; Cherith Nanney (Brian) Sherman, Ms; Grandchildren by marriage are Evee and Paisley Sheffield, Maria Franz, Dallas (April), Jordan(MaKayla) and McKayla Loden; Her sister, Bobby Williams (James) of Brandon, Ms. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Zac Bozeman, Brady Bozeman, Landon Haas, Nelson Haas, Nathan Sheffield, William Haas, Dallas Loden and Jordan Loden.

The family suggest memorials be sent to Harrisburg Baptist Church, 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801; Southside Baptist Church,800 Raymond Rd, Jackson, MS 39204; or Friendship Baptist Church, 890 CR 2578, Guntown, MS 38849.

Expression of love to Patsy’s family may be posted on her obituary page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Obits

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.