A Life Beautifully Lived
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Patricia Jo Tennyson (Luce) on May 11, 2025, at the age of 88. Patricia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who had the honor of knowing her. She held a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and believed in Jesus for the free gift of everlasting life. Patricia shared these beliefs with her children, and her legacy of faith, love, and generosity will continue to live on through her family and friends.
Patricia Jo Tennyson (Luce) was born on September 16, 1936, at the Pawnee-Ponca Indian Hospital in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Patricia’s early years were spent in Keota and Stigler, Oklahoma, where she lived with her parents, Flossie and Lester Luce, WWII veteran, surrounded by family members and friends. Despite growing up in humble beginnings, Patricia was rich in love and kindness for everyone she encountered. These traits were further nurtured by the love her family showed to others, shaping her journey for the rest of her life. She later moved to Coolidge, Arizona, and graduated from Coolidge High School in 1954. Patricia embarked on a career as a telephone operator for AT&T Bell, where she worked for over 11 years. It was while working for “Ma Bell” that she encountered a customer from Western Union named Lawrence (Tuffy) Duane Tennyson. Subsequently, Patricia and Tuffy were married in 1964 at their house in Scottsdale, AZ, surrounded by family and friends.
Patricia was devoted to her family, where she and Tuffy raised two children, Shawn and Tim. Her unwavering support, nurturing, and love were the cornerstone of her immediate family. She was dedicated to her family and will be sorely missed by her children and grandchildren. Family and friends remember Patricia as a source of encouragement, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Even her mother-in-law expressed great gratitude for her help in her later years.
Patricia’s deep appreciation for her Native American heritage was a significant part of her life, and she made sure to pass this on to her children. As a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, she frequently visited the tribe in her later years, where she had the opportunity to meet tribal chiefs and strengthen her bond with her first cousin, Linda Christy.
In addition to her cultural connections, Patricia had a passion for travel and tennis, enjoying the sport with her friends well into her 70s. Her dedication to tennis was a testament to her active lifestyle. After raising her children, Patricia worked for the nurses central registry for many years, where she thrived in the dynamic and bustling work environment.
Patricia’s most remarkable legacy is the love and inspiration she imparted to those around her. She believed in the power of kindness and practiced it daily. Her generosity knew no bounds, whether through charitable contributions, acts of service, or simple gestures that brighten someone’s day.
Patricia is survived by her sons; Shawn Tennyson (Wendy) and Tim Tennyson (Alda); her grandchildren, Amber Tennyson, Marina Bolm (Taylor), Brooke King (Justin), Hallie Tennyson, and Emma Tennyson; her great-grandchild, Marilyn Grace King; her sister-in-law, Marlene Andrew, and many close cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Obituary provided by Dignity Memorial.