Patricia Elaine Pearlene Jackson was born December 31, 1942, Darby Farm, Poolesville, Maryland to the late James H. and Rachael L. Jackson. Patsy, as she was affectionally known, was the eldest of 5 children. She was a devoted member of the Seneca Community Church where she was raised in Seneca, Maryland. She was educated in the Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS) and graduated from Carver High School, Rockville, Maryland, where she played trumpet in the Marching Band. She also earn/received her Associates Degree from the University of the District of Columba (UDC), Washington, DC.
Patsy met and married the late Howard E. Johnson, Jr.(Blue) and birthed 2 sons, Kevin E. Johnson and Jeffrey H. Johnson. After divorcing, she raised her sons into adulthood as a single parent but always had her family and a "village" who supported her throughout her journey of motherhood and beyond. Patsy worked with the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) as a cafeteria worker before entering into the Federal Government workforce. Upon retirement from her federal service, Patsy worked for MCPS as a classroom aid at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Damascus, Maryland and also worked with the Montgomery County Department of Recreations (MCDR). Patsy had many gifts and talents to share and was an avid lover of music and singing, she also enjoyed interior designing and was especially gifted at creating beautiful floral designs/arrangements as a hobby (her favorite flower was Lily). She was an all around homemaker and a very good cook and one of the main go to people for certain entree dishes and desserts (especially banana pudding) for church dinners and she was a member of "God's Blessing" Ministry (started by the late Mrs. Evelyn Genies) that provided meals for a local homeless men's shelter located on Gude Drive in Rockville, Maryland!
(Proverbs 31:28--Her children arise and call her blessed)
Patsy was called by many names including big sister, Momma, Aunt Patti/Patsy, cousin, and friend but to her grands and great-grands, she was Nanny, Grandmother, Rhonda and many other endearing names. However, her main title became Matriarch. She commanded respect but was also very caring and loving! She was always encouraging, supportive and imparted words of wisdom because she wanted only the best for us and a desire for us to succeed in life and sometimes selflessly sacrificing her needs and putting others first. After Granny/Gibby went on to glory, she took the torch as Matriarch and her house then became the family home/hub in general, and for all of the holiday events and gatherings--and we had lots of fun there especially at Christmas! We would arrive to a traditional Christmas dinner including ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and her famous cabbage. She would sit at a distance and watch our antics bartering and trading items during the grab bag gift exchange; we would play music, sing, dance and reminisce about our elders who had already gone onto glory. Patsy made her home a place of refuge and her door was always open for all who needed a safe space and place of shelter regardless of the circumstance(s). Thank you, Patsy for always opening your doors and loving us unconditionally!!
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, James and Rachel Jackson grandparents, Henry and Virginia Jackson, her aunt, Bernince Johnson, uncle, Bobby H. Jackson and her brother, Anthony S. Jackson (Peter/AJ). She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her sons, Kevin (Aminah) and Jeffrey (Yvette), her sisters, Linda, Susan and Barbara (Bo) Jackson, adopted sister Jackie Bell (Howard), adopted brother Jack Sommerville (Terri) and cousins, Emily Johnson (Emmie), Robyn Jackson-McLean (Aubrey), Bobby Ambush (Keli) and Jeff Hoes (Chezelle), her grandchildren, Chenia, Jerel, Little Kevin and Dominic Johnson and bonus grandson Troy Deare, her 4 great grands, Starr, Diamond, Kairro and Legend Johnson and 1 great, great grand, Jaylen Johnson (aka Mr. Bean and LiL John), a host of nephews, nieces and cousins and very special and devoted friends, Shirley Shields, Rev John Trammel, Ethel Driver and Pamela Plummer-Matthews (and devoted adopted family Willie Irby and Mary Lou Wimberly and their families).
Dear Patsy, now that you have left us for a beautiful place on high to become our guardian angel, know that your spiritual presence still remains even though your physical/earthly presence is no longer. We love you and you will forever remain in our hearts. Rest and rejoice in Heavenly Peace!
"WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE, BECOMES A MEMORY, THE MEMORY BECOMES A TREASURE! (ANONYMOUS)
TO HONOR PATSY'S WISHES, THERE WILL BE NO FUNERAL SERVICE.