Nellie Patsy LaGrone Whittington

Patsy LaGrone Whittington passed away July 8, 2018 at the age of 83.
Patsy was born August 23, 1934 in Iola, Texas to Cleo Elton and Helon Doris Hammond. Her mother Helon was a nurse. Her father Cleo provided for the family by working in construction and as a businessperson. He was a direct descendant of Matthew “Old Paint” Caldwell, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Growing up with siblings Morrison Lee (Buddy), Trula, and Tena in Groves, Texas, Patsy enjoyed being with her family and riding horses with her father. She was very involved in her church and school. She graduated high school from Port Neches-Groves.
Patsy worked in the scheduling department at Fina Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas to support her family. A single parent who raised her two children Kerry and Kim, Patsy always put her family first. Her children were blessed with a very godly example of unconditional love from their mother. Patsy often reminded her family that, “All things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” She put her family and God above everything else. She appreciated great food and loved cooking and baking for her family. She highly valued family reunions; they were very important to her. Patsy was blessed to have found love in her golden years. She married Wilburn W. Whittington in 2008 in Groves, Texas.
Patsy was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Groves and a “Worthy Matron” in the Order of the Eastern Star. She loved to sing and play the piano. She enjoyed watching sports whenever she could. She adored butterflies. Patsy was very proud of her Texas heritage and was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She was a very caring, friendly woman who never met a stranger.
Patsy leaves behind her loving husband Wilburn Whittington, son and daughter-in-law Kerry R. and Janice LaGrone, daughter Kimberley A. Brown, grandson Kory R. LaGrone, granddaughter Kati J. Quinlan, granddaughter Shea M. Ehlert, grandson Trey L. Brown, great grandson Easton R. Ehlert, great grandson Cannon K. Ehlert, great granddaughter Emma L. LaGrone, great granddaughter Jordyn A. Quinlan, and great granddaughter Olivia R. Brown.
Patsy’s family has planned a visitation Wednesday, July 11 at 1 PM. Her funeral service will begin at 2, with a reception to follow immediately after the service. All will take place at Hillier Funeral Home of Bryan. Internment will be at Zion Cemetery in Iola at 4:30 PM.