In Loving Memory of Patricia Ann Tish McElhannon

Patricia Ann “Tish” Williamson Spencer McElhannon went to be with her Lord February 17,2025 at the age of 86. Tish was born in Floyd County TX September 12, 1938 to Eulen Williamson and Fern Elizabeth Smith Williamson.

When Tish was 2 years old, her father, Eulen, died from injuries from a farm accident.  Tish and Fern went to live with Fern’s parents, Bonner and Laura Smith, known as Mama and Daddy Smith.  They were very loving with a large family that offered strength, stability and a foundation of faith in Jesus for young Tish.  It was Daddy Smith who came up with the nickname, “Tish”.

Tish graduated from Dumas High School in 1957 along with her dear lifelong friend, Donna Black (Maurer). Their friendship is one for the record books that stood the test of time and distance.  A rare friendship greatly to be admired.

Tish and Donna left Dumas to attend Trinity University in San Antonio.  It was at a freshman dance where Tish (a 6 ft tall beauty) was spotted by a Trinity football coach chaperoning the dance.  W.C. “Dub” McElhannon asked Tish for a dance and as Tish would later declare “The story of the passionate love affair that swept a continent” would begin.

Dub and Tish were married in Dumas, TX on June 27, 1958.  They have four children: Spencer, Kristy, Liz, and Cooper.  They were married 56 years at the time of Dub’s passing in 2014.  After Dub’s jobs in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Alaska, and Hawaii, Dub and Tish retired in Gladstone, NM at their oldest son, Spencer, and wife, Katia’s cattle ranch.

This was Tish’s dream come true.  She loved life on the ranch for the remainder of her days due to the generosity of her sons, Spencer and Cooper, who cared for her there every day.  Tish lived life with great joy steeped in her love for God, family, and her ongoing lifelong friendships. Tish was an artist and avid bird watcher from her windows at the ranch and she loved to fish! She was also a chief encourager and wise counselor to all of her family and friends.

Tish was preceded in death by her husband, William Cooper McElhannon, brother Derby Spencer, and sister, Laurie Wittner.

She is survived by her son, Spencer (Katia) McElhannon of Panhandle, TX, daughters Kristy (Carey) Campbell of Celina, TX, Liz (Jamie) White of Caddo Mills, TX and son, Cooper McElhannon of Gladstone, NM. As well as 8 grandchildren: Patrick McElhannon, Cody Campbell, Kara Britain, Kiley Evans, Will White, Corey McElhannon, Casey McElhannon and CJ McElhannon and 14 great grandchildren. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Internment February 22 at 1:00 at Gladstone Cemetery and a Celebration of Life service March 1st at 2:00 pm at High Pointe Baptist Church Cedar Hill TX, officiated by Tish’s nephew and Sr. Pastor Dr. Toby Snowden.

In lieu of flowers, her children request contributions in her memory be made to High Pointe Baptist Church, Cedar Hill, TX.

Arrangements for Patricia Ann “Tish” Williamson Spencer McElhannon are under the direction of the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.