Patricia Leigh Borders

Patty graduated from Menchville High School, Class of 1989, in Newport News, VA. Patty was employed at Food Lion and Northern Tool & Equipment in Newport News, VA. After she received her CDL License, she was employed at Williamsburg-James City County Schools as a bus driver and Busch Gardens as a shuttle bus driver. She loved her driving career and never met a stranger! She enjoyed sharing stories with us of all the people she met while at Busch Gardens. She especially loved transporting “her little Headstart children”, as she called them. She was extremely proud of her CDL license and maintained her active status up until her passing. She loved her little dogs, “Jackie” and “Rose” and they were her constant companions following the death of her beloved Todd Williams, who passed away in January 2018, after 30+ years together. Patty and Todd were NASCAR fans and enjoyed attending many races nationwide. She was an avid Washington Commanders fan, loved playing the lottery and visiting casinos!

Her siblings, sisters, Dianna Borders Bassett (Steve) of Juliette, GA, Gail Borders Kestner of Durham, NC, and her brother, James “Jimmy” Borders of Phoenix, AZ will hold dear their memories of their youngest sister. Patty is survived by her nieces, Valerie Bassett (Sherry) of Juliette, GA, Laura Bassett of Juliette, GA, Kirsten Hopkins (Jourdan) of Phoenix, AZ; nephews, Matthew Kestner (Deborah) of High Point, NC and Dillon Kestner of Durham, NC; as well as great-nieces, Olivia and Charlotte Kestner and great-nephews, Landen Kestner and Roman Kestner. She is also survived by five aunts, an uncle, 20 cousins, friends close to her heart, Marie Sonego of Phoenix, AZ and Greg Campbell of Williamsburg, VA and several caring neighbors Patty thought of as extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Larry Kestner.

A celebration of life receiving family and friends will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg, VA, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Interment will be private at Mount Rose Cemetery, Glade Spring, VA.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Patty’s love of animals, please consider a donation to Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185, in her remembrance.