Dr. Patricia Dornbusch Sistrunk died July 19, 2026 at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo,Mississippi at the age of 101.
Dr. Sistrunk was born October 23, 1924 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She attended Saint Francis Xavier Convent School and All Saints Episcopal School. After High School Graduation she enrolled and graduated from Barnard College of Columbia University with Majors in Economics and International Studies. A gifted linguist, fluent in six languages, she accepted a position with the United States Department of State at the advent of World War II.
With the end of World War II Dr. Sistrunk returned to Vicksburg and was very active in Community and Charitable Organizations. She,along with her Mother, purchased and restored the McRaven Tour Home. Under her ownership McRaven was featured in National Geographic Magazine and International Publications Der Spiegel and Le Monde. The Le Monde article wasprompted by the fact that Dr. Sistrunk presented the tour in French. After a series of personal events she utilized her language skills and taught French and Spanish in the Vicksburg Public Schools. At the same time she pursued and obtained a Masters Degree and Doctorate in Education from Mississippi State University. Following her marriage to Walter Sistrunk she relocated to Okolona, MS. and was named Director of Adult Education at Itawamba Community College. In addition, she taught French,Spanish and German.
Upon retirement Dr. Sistrunk rekindled her passion for the game of golf. Always the competitor, she won multiple club Championships at Okolona CC and competed in several Senior Olympics winning a Silver and Two Bronze Medals. An avid pilot she enjoyed many hours in her beloved Cessna.
Dr. Sistrunk was preceded in death by her husband Walter Sistrunk, parents William K. and Nettydell Dornbusch and Quinn Stevens, siblings Maxim Dornbusch and Jane Dornbusch and children William K. Bradway and Susan Carson Bradway.
She is survived by her son Brad Bradway and Daughter/caregiver Patricia Dornbusch Bradway, Three Grandchildren , two Great Grandchildren and Nieces and Nephews.
Dr. Sistrunk was interred July 27, 2026 in Vicksburg, Mississippi with a private family service. The Officiant was Rev. Mary Howard King.
The Family wishes to thank Sanctuary Hospice House for their wonderful care. The Family also requests any remembrances be directed to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital or an Animal Shelter of Choice.
