Patsy Jean (Sheckels) Laws

Patsy Jean (Sheckels) Laws, age 86, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She was born August 20, 1939, the loving daughter of Milas Kendrick and Hester Minton Sheckels, both of whom preceded her in death.

Throughout her life, Patsy was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a cherished member of Faithway Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, where she found joy in singing for the Lord and nurturing her faith within the community. Known as the “Anchor of the Family,” Patsy exemplified the qualities of unconditional love and support. Even as her children grew into adults, she remained a steadfast source of guidance and care, always being a “mom” to them.

In addition to her parents, Patsy was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Marion Laws; son, Mark Steven Laws; great-grandson, Emory Tipton; and siblings, Lula Johnson, Ann Cox, Mary Lou Thomas, Beatrice Sheckels, Viola Sheckels, twin brother Pascal Sheckels, William Benjamin Sheckels, Leonard Sheckels; and Milas Sheckels.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Donnie (Anna) Laws of Kodak, TN, and Randall (Barbara) Laws of Jefferson City, TN; daughter, Robin (Greg) Daniels of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Jason (Kendie) Laws, Leigh Ann (James) Gray, Melody (Nathan) Gilliam, Sara (Chris) Eiler, Blake (Christy) Laws; Jeanette (Spencer) Edwards, Jennifer (Ryan) Christianson, Erica (Preston) Tipton; and Isaac Russell; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Eva) Sheckels; special sister-in-law, Zella Sheckels; special friend, Beverly Laws; and a host of other family members and friends.

As we remember Patsy, we celebrate the love she left in our hearts. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be etched in our hearts and the lives she touched.

The family of Patsy Jean (Sheckels) Laws will receive friends on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Rick Graves presiding and music provided by her grandson, Blake Laws.

At the conclusion of the funeral service, family and friends will travel in procession to Green Hills Memorial Gardens Mausoleum where graveside services will be held. Her grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the building fund for Faithway Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Patsy Jean (Sheckels) Laws are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.