Patsy Ruth Long Brightwell Carson Whitson

1928 - 2011

Pat Whitson, 83, died quietly at home in Laguna Woods, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, after a protracted battle with mantel cell lymphoma. Service: A family service is forthcoming. Memorials: May be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or a charity of choice. Pat was born in Fort Worth on Jan. 15, 1928, to H.C. Long and Valda Swink Long. Her biological father died from complications during surgery while Pat was an infant. In 1934, Valda married George A. Brightwell, who adopted Pat. Pat was an articulate, brilliant and intellectually curious woman of many talents with a world of friends. She lighted up many lives in Texas and California, and we will miss her, as will countless others. Survivors: Sons, James W. Carson Jr., Douglas G. Carson, Bruce H. Whitson Jr. and Alan L. Whitson; brother, George A. Brightwell Jr.; and sister, Linda Brightwell Maxcy.