Memorial trees planted for:

Patsy B. Wade

Patsy Jean Benton Wade passed into the arms of the Lord Friday, June 14th in the evening. She was at home and in the company of family and dear friends. The Brentwood United Methodist Church (BUMC) had come together that evening and the night before to deliver backyard concerts for her. For the first concert, Patsy was able to serve as a conductor from her bed. On the second evening, she rested and listened to dozens of voices---youth, adult, and elders---she knew and loved so well as the church’s longtime pianist. With ever-abundant love for everyone around her, she will be closely missed by many family members and dear friends. The wonderful music program at BUMC was particularly touched and shaped by Patsy’s life. Patsy is survived by son, John Wade and his wife Kimberly Wade of Arlington, Tennessee; daughter, Jennifer McCluskey and her husband Matt McCluskey of Canton, New York. Her grandson, Sean McCluskey also resides in northern New York. She is survived by two beloved sisters, Shirley Eaves of Brighton, Tennessee and Janet Benton of Nashville, Tennessee. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Clarissa Benton; a sister, Beth Barnett; and a brother-in-law, Larry Eaves. So many close friends are also grieved by her passing and were a wonderful comfort to her both in her fruitful life and her final days with us. In addition to her decades of faithful work within BUMC’s music program, Patsy served as a piano instructor at numerous local colleges including Vanderbilt and Belmont and as a private teacher at her home. She was a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and was born in Nashville on October 20, 1949. Patsy earned a master’s degree in music/piano from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. An accomplished recitalist and accompanist, she appeared in concerts sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the Nashville Institute for the Arts. She gave recitals on the air on  NPR and WGBH-Boston and in-person at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC and Iowa’s Quad Cities Art Series. Patsy collaborated regularly with mezzo-soprano Sharon Mabry, performed the works of composers Libby Larsen and Elizabeth Vercoe, and was the pianist for the premier of the opera George Sand…and Chopin. Her former students are now involved in musical endeavors across the country, including in New York City and Middle Tennessee. The family wishes to thank the dedicated doctors and nurses at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center and the many friends who came to her home this week to provide meals, support, love, and whatever was needed. Her former husband John Wade and his wife Ellen provided much support for the family over the past year, and her passing is mourned by the extended Wade family. Most indispensable was the around-the-clock care provided by her sister Shirley, who faithfully, skillfully, and lovingly supported Patsy during this journey alongside her children. Along with their sadness, the family and friends are assuaged by memories of Patsy intently playing the piano, planning concerts with her dear colleague James, smiling with friends, walking quickly to her next musical endeavor, and delivering donuts to loved ones. The hymn “Show Us How to Love” was played at this week’s BUMC Sunday services and is a reminder of her shining example.  There will be a Celebrating the Life and Resurrection of Patsy Wade service at 12 PM on Saturday, June 22nd at Brentwood United Methodist Church with visitation hours beginning at 10 AM. Those who wish can make donations in Patsy Wade’s memory to Brentwood United Methodist Church Worship and Arts. To leave a condolence, or share a memory of Patsy, visit the Tribute Wall.

October 20, 1949 - June 14, 2024

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Patsy B. Wade

13 Trees have been planted in memory of Patsy Wade.

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Memorial Trees

Anonymous

July 01, 2024

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Patsy B. Wade has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Patsy was such an inspiration and shining light to all who were around her. She will be missed greatly.

Andy Vasquez

June 22, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Patsy B. Wade has been arranged by Andy Vasquez. Plant a tree

With deepest sympathy to the family of Patsy Wade & the Brentwood United Methodist Church community. I wish you peace & comfort in the days ahead.

Jerry, Patsy, Melanie, and Teresa

June 21, 2024

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Patsy B. Wade has been arranged by Jerry, Patsy, Melanie, and Teresa. Plant a tree

Your sister was special in every way and will be remembered by so many. Remember that we love and care about you.

Jim and Paula Grout

June 18, 2024

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Patsy B. Wade has been arranged by Jim and Paula Grout. Plant a tree

May this tree emit joy and beauty to our world as did the music of Patsy Wade.

Sharon Mabry

June 17, 2024

The planting of 5 memorial trees in the honor of Patsy B. Wade has been arranged by Sharon Mabry. Plant a tree

Patsy Wade will be forever in my mind and heart. I will miss her dearly.