Nashville, Tennessee - The precious gift of life from Jehovah was bestowed to Patsy Lee Raines on November 13, 1944 to the joyous parents of the late Dr. Nathaniel Raines and the late Ms. Oberta F. Nixon in Springfield, Tennessee. She later had three additional sisters, Phyllis Diane Raines Lang-Beard, the Late Cassandra Ann Raines, and the late Pamela Susie Raines Darden.

Patsy was an enthusiastic young lady who set goals for herself at a very young age. Patsy received her formal education in Robertson County Schools. She graduated in 1962 as an honor student from Bransford High School. She attended Tennessee State University and graduated in 1966 with a B.S. degree in Biology. Her desire was to follow in her father's footsteps. She was employed at Merck Pharmaceutical located in New Jersey as a research technician. Desiring to move back to Nashville, she readily accepted a position at Vanderbilt Hospital as a research assistant working on a cure for diabetes.

In her early years, her family was introduced to Jehovah's Witnesses. Brother Leon and Ruby Weaver played a major role in the life of their family. In 1967, Patsy was baptized as a minister of Jehovah. This dedication played a major part during her lifetime.

Patsy changed her career goals after her marriage to the late William Appleton, Sr. in 1972. He was a broker and real estate agent. The couple worked together to build their own business, Appleton Realtors. This was a happy blend of marriage and business. To this union, two new members were added, William, Jr. and Beverly Michelle. Their joy and blissful life were cut short in 1975. William, Sr. died from a heart attack at home. Patsy and her babies mourned the death of her husband and beloved father for many years. She did lean on our God, Jehovah, to see her through these difficult years. As the years past, Patsy married John Jackson. John was employed by the Sheriff's Department. Patsy's career changed again, and she was employed by the Metropolitan Court System as Court Assistant for the judges. She retired from that position in 2010. Patsy's energies would not allow her to sit still. She continued to manage some properties, established her basket business, and worked with her sister, Phyllis Diane, as an assistant for an educational company entitled, "Cool Kids Learn."

Patsy thoroughly enjoyed living in Nashville and Bellevue. Her favorite activities were traveling with her family, playing cards with family and friends, and watching football. She was an avid supporter of Tennessee State Football Team and the Tennessee State Marching Band. She was also a dedicated fan of the Tennessee Titans. She was the author of a book entitled "A Handbook for Widows." Patsy also enjoyed writing poetry. Singing and dancing were great relaxation for her. When she did her impression of "The George Jefferson" dance, everyone gave her the floor!

During her lifetime, she was the recipient of many awards, including Black Business Woman of the Year (1988).

Patsy departed this life on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at the age of 80 years. She had faith in her God's promise of a resurrection. Revelation 21:3-4 was real to her.

She leaves to mourn: her beloved husband, John Jackson; son, William Appleton; daughter, Beverly Michelle Appleton; grandson, Devin (Blake) Bryant; granddaughter, Isabella Marsh; sister, Phyllis Diane Beard; brother-in-law, Eddie Jackson; nieces, Jackie (Stacy) Webb, Chauncey Darden, and Francessa Lang; nephews, Albert Lang, Jr., and Kenneth (Charla) Lang; grand-nieces, Nicole Webb and Kayla Lang; grand-nephews, Bryant Lang, Dominque Lang, Joshua Webb, and Nicholas Lang; special cousins, Sheila Dunn, Paul Nixon, Burma Shannon, and Ralph Nixon; and a multitude of relatives and friends; special friend, Andrew Marsh.

Viewing, visitation and funeral were held Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Lewis and Wright Funeral Home in Nashville, TN. Interment was in Nashville National Cemetery in Madison , TN.

W. D. Crowder Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.