It is hard to sum up the accomplishments and the positive impact of a person on others in only a few words. That effort is even more difficult when the person is someone like Patsy Couch, named last week as Tyrone’s Citizen of the Year for 2009. The award process was re-instituted for 2009 after a lapse of several years.

Tyrone earlier this year announced the selection process and, once they came in, Patsy had received 37 nomination letters. For those who know her and her dedication to the town and its citizens, the choice was an obvious one. Those who know Patsy have an understanding of her warmth and her willingness to go out of her way to help others.

“I was blessed and honored and shocked when I got the call,” Patsy said on learning that she had been selected. “Anyone that nominated me was just as deserving.”

Many of those writing letters mentioned the endless volunteer contributions Patsy makes to her community. A sampling of her contributions include having started the first kindergarten program at Tyrone First Baptist Church, helping start the first Founder’s Day, developing and helping coach the first girl’s softball team, putting out flags, ribbons and “We Remember” signs around the town, helping paint town hall, assisting with Earth Day, helping people with therapy exercises, working on the walking path and the various Veterans and Shamrock Park projects and, according to so many, providing endless jars of figs preserves and other goodies to friends and strangers.

But it was the statements contained in the nomination letters that tell the tale of a life well-lived.

“Patsy’s heart is full of love for everyone. She will help everyone whether she knows them or not. She has been a true blessing to me,” said one resident.

“It is so wonderful to see someone as busy and active as Patsy is take the time to be so caring and loving. If we could all be the same, Tyrone would be an even better place to live,” said another resident.

“She always greets you with a smile and a hug,” another said.

Yet another residents spoke of the selflessness that has come to define Patsy’s life.

"She is always willing to help no matter how large or small the job,” the writer said.

For her part in receiving the Citizen of the Year recognition during Founder’s Day last weekend, the 44-year resident of Tyrone was as modest as usual.

“I just have a lot of friends that love me, so it’s their day, too,” Patsy said standing under the tent as Handley Park, just minutes away from the official proclamation ceremony. “But the credit goes to God, my church and family and friends.”

Patsy Couch is one of those people we all know who puts the needs of others first, and she uses her energy and efforts to fulfill those needs. She has a light that shines on those around her. It shines all over Tyrone.