MOUNT VERNON — Patricia Townsend Elliston, a much-loved resident of Mt. Vernon known for her kindness and sometimes-piercing laugh, died on December 19, 2023, in Dallas, Texas, where she had moved to be close to her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.

Born on July 8, 1941, in Henderson, Kentucky, to Willie and Hazel (Foster) Townsend, Pat was one of ten children who learned the value of fun and jocularity at an early age. She was never afraid to poke fun at herself.

Pat always recalled her good fortune. Like when she was walking down the street one day in Evansville, Indiana, and just happened to meet the love of her life, Earl Elliston. Pat and Earl married, adopted two children, Cheryl and Walter, and made friends in the many Illinois towns in which they resided: Peoria, Joliet, and Albion, where she helped to run the Ben Franklin store. The family moved to Mt. Vernon in the 1980s.

It was clear to all who met Pat how much she adored her family. She was enormously proud of her children’s accomplishments, but even more, Pat tried to create a home where they felt cared for. That love extended to her children’s friends, too. Whether visiting at the Elliston home or buying food from her at the drive-through window of the Burger King on Broadway and 34th Street, Cheryl’s and Walt’s friends were made to feel like Pat was their mom, too. She always asked how they were doing and lifted them up.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Burgess, of St. Louis, Missouri; her son, Dr. Walter Elliston, her daughter-in-law, Dr. Karen Friedman Elliston, and her granddaughter, Eliana Elliston, of Dallas, Texas; and siblings Pam Brown, Terry Townsend, and Eddie Heerdink.

A Graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2023, next to her husband, Earl, at Boyd Cemetery in Jefferson County. Interment will follow.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.