Patsy Ruth Agee, 85

Click on link to view pictures of Patsy and her family

Patsy Ruth Agee died on 25 November 2022 at the Hadlow Center for Caring, Jacksonville, Florida. Patsy was born on 21 September 1937 in White Oak, Oklahoma to Herman and Martha Lemons. In 1949, the family moved to Orlando, Florida where Patsy graduated from W.R. Boone High School. Patsy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University in 1957.  Patsy married James Wendell Agee and they had two sons, James and Michael.

Patsy taught school, earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rollins College, and became a home economics supervisor for Orange County Public Schools and then the Florida Department of Education. Patsy became the first female Bureau Chief for the Florida Department of Education and served for 15-years. Patsy earned a Doctorate Degree in Education from Nova University. Dr. Agee’s duties included serving as a lobbyist for the Florida Department of Education where she monitored legislation and developed the “Vocational Education Gold Seal Endorsement” draft for legislators. After retiring, she and her second husband, L. Warren Harrell, served as third party evaluators throughout the State of Florida. Dr. Agee received the Davis Productivity Award in 1989 from Tax Watch and was inducted into the Florida Vocational Association Hall of Fame in 1994.

In 2002, Patsy moved to Fleming Island, Florida where she became active in the Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park, Florida. Patsy served as curriculum chair and board chair and was awarded a Shepherd’s Center Service Award and Golden Years Service Award in Education. As a member of the Orange Park United Methodist Church, she initiated “Nimble Needles,” a needlework group that produces hand-made items to provide comfort and brighten the lives of others. Patsy also served as a member of the Orange Park Medical Center’s Community Advisory Council.

Patsy touched many lives in her 50 plus years in education in the roles of teacher, supervisor, administrator, and volunteer. Patsy lived a life with integrity, sincerity, and a passion for improving her community. Patsy dedicated her life to the service of others and her sincere compassion to understand and help with a gentle and thoughtful approach and her bright smile comforted all who had the good fortune to know her.

Patsy is survived by her son, James Wendell Agee, Jr., of Fleming Island, Florida, grand-daughter Chelsea Merrill, her husband, Matt Merrill, and great grand-daughter, Lucy Merrill of New York City, her grandson Mitchell Agee of Anchorage, Alaska, her daughter-in-law, Helen Agee, her grandson Christopher Agee, and his wife, Heather of Knoxville, Tennessee, her grand-daughter, Melanie Agee of Austin, Texas, her step-daughter, Cathy Thornhill and husband, Robert Thornhill, step-grandson Tri Thornhill, his wife Amy Thornhill, great-grandson J.B. Thornhill of Winter Haven, Florida, and brother Robert Edward Lemons and wife, Linda Lemons of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Patsy was proceeded in death by husband, Warren Harrell, first husband, Wendell Agee, son, Mike Agee, and daughter-in-law, Michele Agee.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720