Patsy King

KING, (Jackson) PATSY passed away peacefully on Monday, December 17, 2018. She is survived by her husband, George, children Mark and Michael, daughters-in-law Linda King and Heidi King, grand-children Kelly, Laura, Carolyn, Allison, Michael, and Kyle King, and sister Dorothy Fernandez. She was preceded in death by mother Daisy Ruth Kelly, father Frank Jackson, sisters Marion, Elizabeth and Mildred, brother Jack, as well as her beloved brother-in-law Joe Adams. Patsy grew up in poverty in rural South Carolina, but with George, overcame all odds and lived an incredibly rich and successful life. George and Patsy were the perfect match. Together they set foot on every continent on the globe, including Antarctica. Patsy graduated from the University of Miami in 1956 with a degree in Education, putting herself through school by working at night. She often said she never would have made it through those years if not for her brother-in-law, Joe and her sister Marion. Joe and Marion acted as parents to her, and she always said she would never forget what they did for her. Much of mom's generosity and kindness was attributable to the kindness and generosity Joe and Marion showed her. Patsy taught deaf children, and became an expert at signing. Her greatest teaching days were those at American High School in northwest Dade County, where she taught math to a diverse group of students. She was well-known for always expecting the most out of her students, and connected with them both as an instructor and an "as-needed" mentor/parental figure. She taught by example. She was principled to the core, and no matter the student's background, she was able to teach them life skills in addition to math skills. Patsy was not a religious person, but she led a decidedly Christ-like life, always treating others with kindness, love and respect. She was an amazing mother to her two sons, and was surely most proud of how they turned out rather than what they turned out to be. She measured success by the way one walked through this world, not by the things they accumulated, and she always taught this lesson to Mark and Michael by her own example. She enjoyed talking about politics, current events, relationships, the world, and thrived on challenging and spirited discussion. The value of her guidance can never be overestimated, and her wisdom is sorely missed. As her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren prepared holiday meals this year, we were reminded of how nearly everything on the table represented something learned from Patsy. Her love for her family, and our love for her, have shaped our lives and will continue to do so. While she will be sorely missed, what she gave to us during our time here on this earth together will keep her memory, and our love for her, alive. A private celebration of life memorial service and a family gathering will be held in her honor this month.