Patricia (Patti) Faye Boyles

Patricia Faye Boyles (Patti) of Destin, Florida passed away at the family home in Pinnacle, NC, Thursday, July 23, 2020. 

Patricia graduated from King High School, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina (Kappa Delta Sorority) with a Degree in Early Childhood Education. She later earned a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida.  

Patricia was instrumental in ushering Okaloosa County School District in the Florida Panhandle into the technological era, always evidencing that her heart and work were completely centered on the students and teachers of the schools.  She began her career as a teacher in an elementary school working with underprivileged children and their parents.  She realized early on that using student data and targeted instruction was the key to students learning and thriving.  In her first role at the District Office, she worked with Title 1 Schools, assisting teachers and classroom aides in the use of innovative teaching strategies and materials.  She oversaw the district’s program of inviting mentors from the community into schools to work with students.  In 2001, Patti became the district’s Director of Elementary Education, overseeing instruction, assessment, materials, and several special programs, all designed to help elementary students learn and thrive.

Patti was well-known throughout the district for standing up for the principles she held important:  equal treatment and instruction for all students; high standards for teachers and paraprofessionals; and believing every educator should embrace a lifelong commitment to learning and improvement. Anyone who worked with Patti came to rely on her love of children, belief in teachers, and her extraordinary organizational abilities.  Thousands of school children’s lives were made better by Patti’s efforts per Terry Bevino, Former Assistant District Superintendent of Schools, Okaloosa County, Florida.

Patricia was born to James S. and Ellie Lane Boyles December 2, 1945.  Her parents predeceased her.  She is survived by a sister Julia Boyles Jessup; nephew Dwight Christopher Jessup and wife Diane, great nephew Keanon Jessup, Ormond Beach, Florida;  niece Clarissa Jessup Jarem, great niece Keller Jarem;  niece Heather Marie Jessup of Seattle, Washington.

Mildred Willard, Vivian Milner along with husband Russell, Terry Dunn and Robin Dean made it possible for Patricia to stay in the family home in Pinnacle to participate in the Alzheimers Biogen Trial Study, PMG Research, for several years.  Her friend Penny Dearman, retired educator, helped Patricia to remain in her Destin home prior to Patricia’s acceptance into the Biogen Alzheimers Trial in Winston-Salem, N. C.  The family also greatly appreciates Johnny Hall and Dylan Bonhem maintaining the family home.  Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care have provided excellent care for which we are most grateful.  Profound appreciation to Amy Crittenden, Amanda Holt, Laura Benham, Amanda Spillman, and Chaplain Dru Southern who provided a most meaningful service.

Celebration of Life Celebrations will be announced when it is safe to have gatherings. 

Persons wishing to make a memorial gift in memory of Patricia Faye Boyles may wish to consider Alzheimers Association National Processing Center, P. O. Box 96011, Washington, DC.  20090 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 401 Technology Lane, Mt. Airy, N. C.  27030.

The Lord bless you and keep you.  The Lord make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.

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