Patsy D. Matyas

Patsy D. Blackwell-Matyas (née Philpott). July 24, 1937 - November 25, 2024 Patsy was a longtime resident of Berkley, Michigan. She was born in Richard City, Tennessee, the daughter of Horace Leroy and Carrie (néee Solomon) Philpott. She moved to Berkley with her six children when she was seeking more education and a career. Patsy was a member of Clawson Church of Christ, where she taught a pre-teen Bible class. She later became a dedicated member of Royal Oak Church of Christ where was Coordinator of the Senior Luncheon (later called the Lunch Bunch) until she retired in 2024. Professionally, Patsy worked for Home Interiors, First of America, Birmingham School System, and Beaumont Hospital. In her free time, she enjoyed being with her family and entertaining at nursing homes with her friend, Don Stedham. She was a member of "The Singing Seniors," "The Best of Shows," and Heart of the Hills Players, a senior theater group. And, notably, she was a runner up in the Ms. Michigan Classic Pageant. Patsy is survived by her children, Richard D. (Mildred) Blackwell of Gentry, AR; Barry L. (Thelma) Blackwell of Batesville, AR; Ronald L. (Kim) Blackwell of Sterling Heights, MI; Daniel G. (Donna) Blackwell of Warren, MI; D. Claudette (John) Speer of Oak Park, MI; and Penny S. (Rick) Jarvis of Clarkston, MI. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Kari-Lin, Rickie, Raychelle, Danielle, Nicholas, Michelle, Tony, Aaron, and Amanda; and seven-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first and second husbands, Claude Blackwell and Jon M. Matyas; her parents, Horace and Carrie Philpott; her siblings: Leroy, Fred, Cecil, Carl, Louella, Nora, Ellan, and Leota; and her grandchildren, Ronnie and Jimmy. Patsy would like to be remembered for her faith in God, her can-do attitude and desire to serve others, and her smile. Visitation for Patsy will be held on Friday, November 29 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service, 11:00 a.m., at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd., (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. Share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com.