Patsy Mayhan

Arlington, TX – Patsy Lou Larch Willis Mayhan died peacefully after a courageous battle with a long illness, on September 6, 2022, in Arlington. She was born on September 3, 1938 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Pete and Grace (Baldwin) Larch.   Patsy was a beloved music teacher in Arlington for many years and was herself a devoted student of music composition and performance. Her home and garden were a sanctuary for her students, who would often visit outside of lessons just to pass the time after school. Her commitment to them fostered passion in these pupils; not only for music, but for the arts and life in general. In addition to teaching young students, Patsy led classes in piano at Tarrant College. She also proudly volunteered with the Cliburn Competition as long as her health permitted. Patsy’s passions extended well beyond music. As an avid collector of fine art, she spent many Sunday afternoons at the Kimball following services at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth where she played the organ. Her collections were not limited to visual art in its many forms, but also antiques and curiosities. Her home was like a museum in many ways as she rotated objects, art, and furniture in and out of prominence. Perhaps most importantly, Patsy loved learning about many cultures and hosted a diverse coterie of university students from throughout the world including Morocco, China, India, France, and England in her home. Patsy once toured England with her devoted traveling companion, Jack Johnson, performing for hospitalized patients and studying at the University of Cambridge. But her favorite city was Paris. And she loved experiencing the sensory delights of the French countryside and the Cote d’Azur. This remarkable, independent, high spirited woman will be greatly missed by her family, students, and many friends. Preceded in death by her daughter, Jill; her parents; and siblings, Judy and Butch. Patsy is survived by her son, James Phillip Willis (Lynn); her grandson, Jeramy Willis (Ariel); and granddaughter, Ellie Willis; her great grandchildren, Jagger, River, and Hazel Willis; her sister Brenda Vocque, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Patsy’s life will be held at a later date.