Patsy Shipp Kinney

Patsy Shipp Kinney passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 92 years of age in Jacksonville, Florida. Born Monday, February 24, 1930, in Washburn, Texas, the fifth of six children born to Phocian and Lela Vandiver Shipp. Her family moved to Hartselle, Alabama where Patsy grew up and graduated from Morgan County High School in 1947. She attended Jacksonville State University (Alabama) graduating with a bachelor's degree in Biology. It was in college where she met the love of her life, Orus E. Kinney who attended JSU on the G.I. Bill after proudly serving in the US Navy during World War II. Patsy and Orus married in 1950 and enjoyed a life together until Orus' death a week after their 52nd wedding anniversary. They lived in Valparaiso, Florida where their two daughters were born and eventually moved to Gainesville and retired in Alachua, where they embraced their community including becoming avid Gator fans. Patsy was a lifelong educator specializing in elementary education and reading, receiving her master's degree from the University of Florida. She eventually served as the second Principal of Glen Springs Elementary School in Gainesville. When she retired from the Alachua County School System, she and Orus traveled and spent summers in their north Georgia mountain home with their grandchildren, relatives and friends. Patsy is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Jan Kinney Dennis (James) and Rebecca Kinney Harrington (John); five grandsons, Trevor (Tara Wolff) Mathis, Jeff (Lisa Wang) Mathis, Thom (Kati Kobasa) Harrington, Connor Harrington and Luke Harrington along with bonus grandchildren, Greg (Lacey & Cameron) and Eric Dennis; and great granddaughter Emma Blake Mathis. Patsy is also survived by In-Laws Tommy Smith, Earl and Marie Kinney, Mildred White, Christine Kirkley, and Phillip Mathis, along with many beloved nieces and nephews and special family friends, John and Kathy Vance and the Royer family in France. Patsy is predeceased by her husband, parents, and siblings Ruby (Nathan) Reed, Erlene Hobby, Ferrell Shipp, Jeri (Duane Weidman), Jo Smith and nephews Johnny Reed and Roy Shipp. Patsy and Orus were faithful members of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Fishermens Sunday School Class in Gainesville where they made many lifelong friends. Patsy was passionate about reading and delighted in giving books to family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Circles Gainesville at Faith Mission (https://trinitygnv.org/circles). Special appreciation goes to her friend and caregiver, Glennetta Dixon and those who grew to love her at River Garden Hebrew Home in Jacksonville, Florida. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 9th at 11:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church; 4000 NW 53rd Ave. Gainesville. The family will receive friend one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Forest Meadows Memorial Gardens

Patsy Shipp Kinney

December 8, 2022