Pat Joyce Vaught

Pat Joyce Vaught, 84, of Fort Smith, Arkansas died Sunday, August 6, 2017 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born May 8, 1933 in Alix, Arkansas to James Elmer and Mildred Dorthea Helmert Zolliecoffer. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Sonny Zolliecoffer; three nieces, Linda Thomas, Brenda Doss, and Jackie Thomas; and a nephew, Herbie Vaught. Pat was a retired nurse, giving compassionate and loving care to many. She made a daily menu and loved to cook for her family. She loved to paint and decorate her home over and over again. She loved to celebrate any occasion and you could count on balloons and streamers on your birthday no matter your age. Every holiday was special. The family was blessed with her homemade dressing, but usually the grandchildren got to play catch with her burnt dinner rolls. Christmas was a sight to see, all new comers to the family had never seen such a celebration. She was known for her unconditional love. She never met a stranger; many lives were touched by her acts of kindness. She had a gift of knowing what people needed and doing it without being asked. Her daughters and family would like to thank their father for all the many years of caring for her without complaint. Her faith and hope was the anchor in her life. She was a beloved wife, mother, mema, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend for many. Although we embrace her new journey, she will be mourned and missed and our lives will be changed forever. Pat is survived by her husband, Kenneth Dale Vaught of Fort Smith; four daughters, Brenda Patterson and husband David, Sandra Mendenhall, Janice Vaught, and Karen Vaught all of Fort Smith; a sister, Mildred Boley of Dover, Arkansas; and a brother, Mickey Zolliecoffer and wife Frances of Alix, Arkansas; eleven grandchildren, Brandon and Bryan Patterson, Nathan, Jett and Caleb Mendenhall, Matthew and Daniel Casanova, Paul Carman Vaught White, Dustin Williams, Jeremy Beck, and Kelly Tamburo; and thirteen great grandchildren. Family will visit with friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Thursday, August 10th at Shaffer Funeral Home 2315 West Commercial Street in Ozark. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Friday, August 11, 2017 at Shaffer Funeral Home Chapel in Ozark with Brother Ted Darling officiating and burial at Houston Cemetery in Alix under direction of Shaffer Funeral Home in Ozark. Serving as pallbearers will be all her grandchildren.

Pat Joyce Vaught

May 8, 1933 - August 6, 2017