Patricia Jean Brack, 88, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on July 6, 2026, at North Hills. And while saying goodbye to Patricia brings great sadness, her family also celebrates 88 years of a life that was uniquely and wonderfully hers.
Patricia was born January 5, 1938, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, to Dr. Andy N. Deaton and Grace O. Deaton. She attended John Brown University and went on to build a life filled with hard work, family, faith, creativity, and more than a little adventure.
Patricia worked for SWEPCO for 36 years as a cashier. Thirty-six years with one company speaks to the dedication and dependability that were part of who she was. But her job was only one small piece of Patricia’s story.
She was a woman who loved the countryside — the kind of place where life seems to slow down just enough to appreciate it. She loved horses and dogs and found happiness in the animals and natural beauty around her.
She also had a creative side and enjoyed making teddy bears. Those little bears were more than a hobby; they were something made by Patricia’s own hands, and today they serve as sweet reminders of the woman who created them.
And then there was dancing.
Patricia taught Middle Eastern dancing at the Springdale Youth Center, a wonderful part of her story that captures her personality and reminds those who loved her that there was so much more to her than could ever fit into a traditional obituary. She wasn’t afraid to enjoy life, learn something different, or share that joy with others.
Her faith was also an important part of her journey. Patricia belonged to University Baptist Church, and her faith accompanied her through the many seasons of her life.
But of all the things Patricia accomplished and enjoyed during her 88 years, nothing compares to the family that grew from her life.
She was the mother of three children: Ann Striegler and Becky Sayre of Fayetteville, and Andy Self of Graford, Texas.
And then the family tree continued to grow.
Patricia was blessed with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. What an incredible legacy — to live long enough to look around and see generation after generation of your family.
They are her legacy.
They carry pieces of Patricia with them — in the stories they tell, the traditions they continue, the memories that make them laugh, and even in the little mannerisms and traits they may not yet realize came from her.
Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon P. Brack; her parents, Dr. Andy N. Deaton and Grace O. Deaton; and her sister, Billy Jean Granger.
After her passing, Patricia was laid to rest at the National Cemetery beside Gordon. There is something especially meaningful in knowing that after life’s long journey, they are together again in their final resting place.
When someone lives for 88 years, their story cannot possibly be contained in dates, names, or a list of accomplishments.
Patricia’s story lives in much smaller things.
It lives in memories of the countryside.
In horses and dogs.
In teddy bears lovingly made by hand.
In music and dancing.
In 36 years of getting up and going to work.
In her faith.
In stories that will begin with, “Do you remember when Patricia…”
And most importantly, it lives in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Those are the pieces of a life that death cannot take away.
So today, while there are tears because Patricia is deeply missed, there is also gratitude.
Gratitude for 88 years.
Gratitude for the memories.
Gratitude for the stories that will continue to be told.
Gratitude for a family that exists because she was here.
And gratitude for the simple privilege of having known and loved Patricia Jean Brack.
Her journey here may be complete, but her story isn’t over.
It continues every time her name is spoken, every time a memory brings a smile, every time one of her stories is passed to another generation, and every time someone who loved her carries a little piece of Patricia forward.
A life well lived.
A woman deeply loved.
A legacy that will live on for generations.