Patricia Anne Butts

To know Patricia Anne Butts was to meet the biggest soul and personality to ever fit into such a tiny earthly vessel. She loved fiercely and made an impact on all that met her. In return, she was beloved by too many to count. She was known by most as Patsy, Mom, Granny or Great-Granny.

Patsy loved conversations with friends and family-and she could make a new friend of any person she met. She enjoyed discussing current events, sharing her staunch Republican political views, gardening-she never cultivated a lily that didn’t smell “divine”-doll collecting, poetry writing, dancing and singing-especially anything by “Ol’ Blue Eyes” (Frank Sinatra). Most importantly though, she relished the act of giving-especially during the Christmas season.

Patsy’s joy surrounding holidays and the gift of giving led her to open one of the first year-round Christmas stores in Jacksonville Beach and to establish the non-profit organization, Beaches Lifeline Emergency Society (BLES Foundation)-a foundation that provided holiday meals, groceries, and toys for families and children in need. Patsy also went on to found the highly successful Miss Dream Girl America Pageant, where she awarded a plethora of college scholarships and savings bonds to girls of all ages.

A Florida native and lifelong Jacksonville Beaches resident, Patsy was born on January 26, 1936 and died peacefully on August 29, 2021. She was the first of two children born to parents, Thomas Parkhill Chaires and Mary Agnes Higdon. Her younger brother, Thomas P. Chaires, Jr. predeceased her. She leaves behind her surviving three children (of four), Angelia Lewis-Smucygz (Ron), Rhonda Coryell, and David P. Lewis—grandchildren, Brittany (Davonte) Johnson, Alexis Coryell, Robert (Sara) Coryell, Andrea Jasso, Blake (Cameron) Peterson—and five great-grandchildren.

We can envision Patsy in heaven with “my Jesus”—dressed “to the nines” and bejeweled—belting out Frank Sinatra’s “New York” as she chooses amongst her awaiting dance partners that have gone before her—Elliot W. “Happy” Butts, Curt Holzer, and her beloved youngest child, Bland P. Lewis.

As always, and as Ol’ Blue Eyes sang, Patsy lived and died “My Way”.

P.S. Mom, you were right. You always said that one day we will miss you. Well, that day is here.

The family would like to offer our appreciation and thanks to the compassionate care and support provided by Community Hospice, Patsy’s primary care physician, Dr. Eric Norenberg, CPA, Charlie Cromer, and business partner, Leighton A. Butts.

Patsy’s family will receive friends at 3pm on Saturday, September 11, 2021 with a celebration of Life to follow at 3:30pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.

(The family asks that all guests wear masks.)

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Community Hospice and Palliative Care or the charity of your choice.

Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.