Mrs. Patricia Parks “Patsy” Young, of Onley, a fun-loving, easygoing, bicycle-riding, Tangier native, was called to heaven on Thursday, May 22, 2025, where she is undoubtedly entertaining the masses.
Born May 14, 1947, on Tangier Island, she was the daughter of the late Patrick Benson Parks and the late Elizabeth Williams Parks.
Following graduation from Tangier Combined School, Patsy left the island to continue her education, earning her bachelor’s degree at James Madison University. Over the course of 35 years, she shaped the minds of students at Mary N. Smith Middle School and did so with a flair that was unique to the one and only “Mrs. Young.”
On Dec. 19, 1971, Patsy made the best decision of her life when she said, “I do” to the love of her life, Douglas Charles Young, who incidentally is a Boston Yankee. The two couldn’t have been more perfectly paired, which was evident to everyone who had the pleasure to know them throughout their more than 54 years of marriage.
From the moment their son, Ryan, was born, Patsy never hesitated to tell anyone who would listen that he was the greatest human to ever walk the earth, and you could guarantee he never did any wrong. Ryan held the title of perfection until her grandsons were born and from that point on, he was chopped liver. Nothing brought Patsy more joy than being with family and there certainly was never a dull moment when the Young and Parks families were gathered together.
Patsy was a longtime member of Market Street Methodist Church, and there wasn’t a soul amongst the congregation that didn’t know and love her. As a matter of fact, there are few people on Tangier or the Eastern Shore who don’t know the name Patsy Young, or at the very least who haven’t wondered who the crazy lady riding her bike around the town of Onley was … Well, now you know. In the few moments she was quiet, Patsy enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing, and boating. She loved to travel and was always cooking and baking, often sharing her goods with friends and family.
Patsy will be remembered for her quirky sense of humor, infamous silly faces, interesting T-shirt and accessory choices, and especially for her uncanny ability to bring smiles and belly laughs to all.
Left to continue her legacy of love and laughter are her husband, Douglas; her son, Ryan Douglas Young and his wife, Jennifer, of Virginia Beach; her grandsons, Benson Harris Young and Jacob Douglas Young, aka “Patsy Jr.;” her sisters, Sylvia Bonniwell and Nadine Pruitt, both of Tangier, and Kitty Byrd and her husband, Brad, of Onley; her brother, Danny Parks, of Hampton; her sisters-in-law, Linda Young and Pamela Hovanec and her husband, Robert; several nieces and nephews and their families; and countless friends.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her brother, Lester Williams; sister-in-law, Carolyn Parks; and brothers-in-law, Rocky Bonniwell and Carlton Pruitt.
Doug and Ryan are eternally grateful for the care and compassion shown to Patsy by her caregiver, Kirby Barrineau, and the unwavering dedication and love of her sister Kitty, both of whom brought light to her eyes each and every day.
A funeral service will be held at Market Street Methodist Church on Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m., with Pastor C. Ray Daisey officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
Patsy had fought advanced heart disease since 2009. Between her sheer will and determination and efforts made by her doctors and nurses, particularly Dr. Kellam, she was able to make many more precious memories with her family.
Contributions in Patsy’s memory may be made to the Lloyd J. Kellam III Heart Center at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, c/o Sally Schreiber, P.O. Box 430, Onancock, VA 23417, www. donatenow.networkforgood.org/riverside
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
