It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Patsy Gray “Blackburn” Nowicki on March 11, 2026, at the age of 87.

She leaves behind her husband, James Nowicki; daughters, Deborah Stewart Richards and Ruth Helene Mann Jordan; brother, Johnny Blackburn (Vicki); sister; Becky McConnico; step-sister, Paulett Dooley; step-son, Brett Nowicki; step-daughter, Amy Beach (Aleck); granddaughters, Aspen Pharr (Josh), Mackenzie Beach, Mason Beach, Morgan Beach and Linnea Nowicki; great-grandchildren include Genesis Schmoeler, Grayson Schmoeler, Zane Vega, Naomi Davis, Bennett Davis, Linnea Nowicki.

Patsy was preceded in death by her beloved son, James Bennett Mann, II; her beloved grandson, Dallas Christopher Richards; and her parents, John Oneal Blackburn and Annie Lee Blackburn.

Services will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church, 808 College Street, Columbus, MS, and will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Patsy will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She loved fiercely. She was strong in her faith and belief in God.