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Roger & Pat Ruebush
Our initial encounter with Patsy and Pep proved to be the “gold” standard for the next 25 years. Shortly after purchasing their home on Blackrock Rd. in 1980, Pep and Patsy sold a portion of the land to a couple from Georgia. In 1998, we bought the property with the intention of building on one of the lots adjacent to Pep and Patsy. Meeting them for the first time and needing access to our property, Patsy and Pep, without a second thought, allowed us as well as the McKenzie’s who were also building, to use their driveway and cut across to our land so we could start clearing. Years later, we planted a garden. It did okay, but could have been better with more sunshine. The following year’s garden did much better, right there on the sunny side of Patsy & Pep’s property. One time when we discovered a rattlesnake in the garden, a call was made to Whitfield’s. Patsy answered the phone and immediately sent Pep over to take care of it. Every year, Christmas was a bit merrier with seeing the Christmas tree lights on next door. And, Patsy’s Christmas dessert was so delicious! Patsy always showed us how good life was, no matter the circumstances. We will always remember her for her light-hearted personality and her generous willingness to be there for you. Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy along with our prayers go out to Pep, Allen Jr., Gayle, Drew and Will.
Deanna Deegan
I will always cherish special memories of my stays at the Whitfield "Bed and Breakfast" on Blackrock Road where I was lovingly included in Patsy's "Mornings". Pep never allowed our coffee to grow cold ... Patsy usually joined us on the porch when we were well on our third pot of coffee ... and if I left Pep's Daily Bountiful Breakfast hungry, that was entirely on me. Those "Mornings" were my absolute favorite time of the day. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to Pep, Gayle, Allen, Drew and Will and all who knew and loved Patsy.
Thomas Whitfield
When When Patsey smiled the whole world smiled
Thomas Whitfield
My Aunt Patsey a wonderful and special lady that will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her
Melissa Young and Bob Davidson
I've known Patsy since I was a teenager. She was like a second Mother for me. And my husband and I so enjoyed spending time with her and Pep and visiting their beloved Blackrock Road home. We are so saddened to hear of her passing Sending love and peace to Pep, Gayle, Allen, Drew, Will and all who loved her.
Patricia "Patsy" Whitfield
2024-02-27
Patricia “Patsy” Whitfield passed away Tuesday, February 27th at her home at Lakeside of Amelia.
She passed away following a series of lingering injuries and ailments associated with old age. Prayer and the presence of the great comforter, the Holy Spirit allowed her to die peacefully and with dignity; just the way she lived.
Patsy was born August 3rd, 1933 in Sylvester, Georgia. She is the daughter of Dr. Joseph Johnston and Myrtle Tipton Johnston.
She grew up in Sylvester and attended high school there. She was active in all phases of high school life and was a member of an award winning chorus group.
After high school graduation, she attended Shorter College for two years before transferring to the University of Georgia where she earned a degree in Home Economics.
At Georgia she met Pep Whitfield. They dated and were married in 1954; starting 70 years of a wonderful married life. It was tumultuous, fun-loving and exciting. Call it what may, but it was never dull.
After marriage, Patsy worked at the University of Georgia registrars’ office while Pep finished his degree.
Pep was commissioned into the Air Force and was stationed in Harlingen, Texas. Patsy joined him there and they began 23 years of military life. They were at bases in Texas, Kansas, Georgia, Massachusetts and Nebraska.
In 1980 in Yulee, Patsy got the country life she had wished for. It was an old house; well built, but outdated. Working with several contractors, she modernized and renovated the home into a showplace. She was “the Queen of Blackrock Road”.
She was employed by the State of Florida until her retirement in 1996. Upon her retirement she received what she called her greatest gift. Pep gave her “Mornings” which included sleeping late, breakfast cooked to order, no schedule and no requirements. Just time to pause and enjoy the sights and sounds of her Blackrock Road home.
Her work ethic and talents are best demonstrated by the various jobs and positions she held. She was a Home Demonstration Agent, School Teacher Administrator and Social Worker.
Her love of travel carried her to many parts of our country. Patsy and Pep had many vacation trips with their dear friends, Alvin and Sydney Smith and other trips with their Air Force friends.
Patsy found her life’s work at Fernandina Beach First Baptist Church. She was involved in Sunday school, several committees, Pastoral search and Celebrate Recovery. She felt her most rewarding services were visitation and working with Pam Simmons and the Kitchen Crew.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Johnston; step mother, Carmen Stone and sister, Alice Kay Brannon.
Patsy leaves behind her loving and devoted husband, Allen “Pep” Whitfield, Sr.; her son, Allen Whitfield, Jr.; daughter, Gayle Christensen; sister, JoAnn Jones; grandsons, Drew and Will Christensen.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Fernandina Beach First Baptist Church.
Donations can be made in her name to the First Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach.
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