Patsy Jo Cochran, 86, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on October 2, 1939, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, Patsy was the daughter of the late Hershel and Lou Belle "Tootsie" Whitfield. A proud graduate of Tiptonville High School and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she dedicated her early career to education, teaching at Lake County High School and Franklin Road Academy. She later served the State of Tennessee as Assistant Commissioner of Employment Security, where she made a lasting impact through her leadership and service.

She found joy in traveling, exploring flea markets, tending her flowers, and decorating her home—especially at Christmas—and adored her sweet Shih Tzu, Anna Belle. Above all, her greatest joy was her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Cochran.  She is survived by her sons Kent (Amanda) Cochran and Craig (Keri) Cochran, and her cherished grandchildren Griffin Cochran, Carson Cochran, Zoe Cochran, and Sara Cochran.

A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, March 31st at 11:00 am in Tiptonville, TN.

For those who wish to honor her memory, the family has kindly requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203.