After being educated in Athens from elementary school through college, Patricia “Patsy” Barrington gave back to the district with 24 years of educating as a teacher and counselor in the Athens City Schools.
Her students, colleagues, friends and family suffered a great loss after Barrington died Dec. 11 at the age of 56 due to colon cancer.
Known for her genuine kindness and compassion for helping others, Barrington proved to be a dedicated and inspiring teacher and guidance counselor in the Athens City School District.
Although she worked throughout the district, Barrington is most known for the position she held for 13 years before she left on medical leave: a guidance counselor at West Elementary.
Principal of West Elementary Joan Linscott, who knew her for more than 25 years both as a friend and co-worker, said Barrington was an active team player who fulfilled various roles and responsibilities during her time at West — including many beyond her position as counselor.
“Patsy would always fill-in when needed. She was always available and loved volunteering to help out,” Linscott said. “She did many different things at West, ranging from substitute teaching to (chaperoning) various field trips. She took it upon herself to get to know all of our students as well as she could.”
Barrington was always a role model to the entire Athens community, said Sydney Cooley, who graduated from Athens High School in 2011 and is a current freshman at the University of Cincinnati.
“Mrs. Barrington was one of the most caring and understanding people I have ever known,” Cooley said. “I know that she impacted so many (students) throughout our district.”
First grade teacher at The Plains Elementary Liz Hoisington not only had a working relationship with Barrington but also developed a close friendship with Barrington, a childhood friend since the age of seven. Hoisington said Athens City Schools are so lucky to have had such a one of a kind individual be a part its district.
“Patsy was a kind and compassionate teacher and counselor,” Hoisington said. “She made a difference in the lives of many Athens City Schools students. She was a dedicated professional who cared about the lives she touch, which included both her peers as well as her students.”
Along with her loving demeanor and commitment to the school, Barrington was also very involved in West’s book club, Linscott said.
Because of her dedication to the club the school plans to donate books to the county library and to all of the district school’s libraries in her name. In addition, the staff will also give a cash donation to the American Cancer Society.
“The day we came back to school after she had passed, we could all feel her loss and there was definitely a void throughout our halls,” Linscott said. “I have such fond memories of Patsy. You remember the fun, smiling, happy person who always made you laugh. There is only one Patsy — she will be greatly missed.”
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