Patricia Elaine Harper Farned

Patricia Elaine Harper Farned, 80, of Okolona, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Unit in Tupelo, MS.

Born June 15, 1946, Patricia was born and raised in Laurel, Mississippi, the daughter of the late B. F. Harper and Elizabeth Harper. She later made her home in Okolona, Mississippi, where she built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, friendship, and service to others.

Patricia graduated from the University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and began a career in education. She devoted 18 years to teaching, touching the lives of students in Houston, Tupelo, and Okolona. She was much more than a teacher to the children who entered her classroom. Patricia was loved by her students, and the impact she made on their lives continued long after they left her classroom. Even years later, former students still remembered her fondly—a beautiful testament to the teacher she was and the difference she made.

Patricia was deeply devoted to her faith and was a faithful follower of Jesus. She dearly loved her church and her church family, and in the last several years of her life, the friendships she formed through her church became an especially important and treasured part of her world. Her church groups gave her fellowship, laughter, companionship, love, and a sense of belonging that meant so much to her. These were not simply people she went to church with—they became dear friends whom she loved deeply. The time they shared, the friendships they built, and the love they showed Patricia brought tremendous joy to her life and held a very special place in her heart.

She was also blessed with many friends throughout her life and knew how to enjoy life. Her square-dancing days brought fun, laughter, friendships, and memories that remained a special part of her story.

But of all the things Patricia accomplished and all the roles she filled during her 80 years, nothing brought her greater pride and joy than raising and loving her family.

Patricia leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert Arlie Farned of Okolona, Mississippi; her daughter, Cara Shaw and husband Robert Shaw of Robbins, Tennessee; and her son, Kelly Robert Farned of Okolona, Mississippi.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Connor Moore, Roman Williams, and Nola Farned of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Layla Pittman of Houston, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, B. F. Harper and Elizabeth Harper of Laurel, Mississippi.

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Mount Vernon Chapel in Tupelo, MS. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 PM at Lee Memorial Park in Verona, MS.

Pallbearers will be Greg Bigham, Jason Kyle and Lance Nichols. Honorary pallbearers will be Patricia's Bible Study Fellowship group and her small group from the Orchard.

For those who loved Patricia, there is comfort in the faith that sustained her throughout her life. Her earthly journey is complete, and the family she leaves behind knows exactly where she has gone.

Jesus was waiting for her.

Mount Vernon Chapel is honored to be assisting the Farned family at this time. Condolences to the family can be made on Mrs. Patricia’s page at mtvernonchapel.com