Patsy Gail “Pat” Randolph Fitch, born September 30, 1956, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 18, 2026, at her home surrounded by family after a six-year struggle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Raised in Briceville, Tennessee, Pat was many things to many people — a beloved teacher, gifted cook, gospel singer, devoted daughter and sister, proud mother and grandmother, loyal friend, and a woman whose life left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A proud graduate of Lake City High School, Pat dedicated her life to education and lifelong learning. She earned her undergraduate degree in education from Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky, before later earning her master’s degree from Tennessee Technological University in 1984 while balancing marriage, work, and family life. She taught in the Roane County School System for 38 years, beginning at Ridgeview Elementary School, later teaching at Dyllis Elementary School and Oliver Springs Elementary School. Teaching was not simply her profession; it was her calling. She poured herself into helping children learn to read, believing deeply in the power of education to build confidence and open doors. Long after students left her classroom, many still remembered Mrs. Fitch as the teacher who made them believe they were capable.

Pat carried that same love of learning into her own family, instilling in her daughters and grandchildren a lifelong appreciation for books, curiosity, and education. A devoted reader herself, she found comfort and joy in stories and loved sharing the magic of that world with her grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as Nana.

At the time of her passing, Pat was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Oliver Springs and had been a member of multiple Baptist churches throughout her lifetime. She loved singing gospel music in churches across East Tennessee alongside family and friends.

Pat expressed love through food, tradition, laughter, and caring for others. Sunday dinners after church became a family institution filled with countless homemade favorites. She was a gifted cook who passed down her love of preparing meals and appreciation for little treats to her daughters and granddaughter, who continue to cherish both her recipes and the memories attached to them. She was also devoted to helping others throughout her life, often visiting sick friends and family members and always looking for ways to offer comfort, support, or a warm meal to those in need.

Small in stature, but fierce in spirit, Pat was known from childhood for holding her own alongside her three brothers and anyone else bold enough to challenge her. She was quick-witted, scrappy, and, in general, a force to be reckoned with. She was genuinely beautiful, with a captivating smile and a presence that could light up a room.

During football season, family members will forever remember her jumping from her seat yelling, “Get him! Get him!” at the TV. She shared a lifelong love of sports with her husband and best friend of 47 years, Bruce Fitch, and especially loved cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, the Tennessee Volunteers, and the Kentucky Wildcats. Together, they passed down that love of sports to their children and grandchildren.

Pat remained deeply proud of where she came from and deeply connected to the family who shaped her. She shared lifelong bonds with her parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family and carried her mountain roots with her throughout her life. Her bond with her sister, Belinda, was especially deep, rooted in shared memories, music, faith, and family history stretching back generations. Pat loved fiercely and protected the people she cared about with everything she had.

In her later years, Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia changed much of the life she had worked so hard to build. Throughout those difficult years, her husband, Bruce, remained her devoted caregiver, provider, and constant companion. As her illness progressed, her daughters also lovingly helped care for her, surrounding her with comfort, humor, and dignity. Still, those who loved her remember the teacher who inspired children to read, the woman who sang beautifully in churches throughout East Tennessee, the cook whose table welcomed everyone, the fiercely loyal sister and friend, and the mother and Nana whose love lives on through stories, traditions, recipes, laughter, and memories.

Pat was preceded in death by her father, Reverend Roy Lee “Johnny” Randolph; her brother, Johnny Lynn Randolph; her sister-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Randolph; and her in-laws, Charlotte Lillian Fitch and Theodore Fitch.

She is survived by her husband and best friend of 47 years, Bruce E. Fitch; her beloved daughters, Kathryn Hannah “Katie” Fitch and Megan Rebecca Woods (John Woods); and her cherished grandchildren, Theo Woods, R.J. Woods, and Lathan Woods. She is also survived by her mother, Rhoda J. Randolph; her beloved sister, Belinda Bass (Mark Bass); her brothers, Steve Randolph and Danny Randolph (Missy Randolph); and her nieces and nephews, Mikel Randolph (Angela), Melanie Randolph, Lynn Randolph, Kevin Randolph, Ruthie Jackson (Kris), Casey Bass Humphrey (Kenny), Courtney Bass, Daniel Randolph, Jamie Vaughn (Justin), and Markus Bass (Kelly), as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews that she loved dearly.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff of Covenant Health Therapy, Premier Therapy, Amedisys Hospice, Dr. Sonali Deo, and special caregiver, Tiffany Stergil, for their compassion, care, and support throughout Pat’s illness. The family is also deeply grateful for the prayers, kindness, and support shown by friends, family, and community members during this time.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, with funeral services immediately following at 7:00 P.M. Reverend Jason Goans will officiate the service. Graveside Service and Interment will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Graves Gap Baptist Church Cemetery in Briceville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.

Sharp Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Patsy “Pat” Fitch during this time of need.