Patsy Young

Patricia Parks “Patsy” Young, of Onley, VA, – our 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, VA, she was the daughter of the late Patrick Benson Parks and Elizabeth Williams Parks.

Following graduation from Tangier Combined, Patsy left the island to continue her education, earning her Bachelor of Arts 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 December 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 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; son, Ryan Douglas Young and his wife, Jennifer, of Virginia Beach, VA; grandsons, Benson Harris Young and Jacob Douglas Young, aka “Patsy, Jr.;” sisters, Sylvia Bonniwell and Nadine Pruitt, both of Tangier and Kitty Byrd and her husband, Brad, of Onley, VA; brother, Danny Parks of Hampton, VA; 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, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor C. Ray Daisey officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.

Patsy 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 RSMH, 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 by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.