Patsye Ruth (Priest) Jenkins

Patsye “Pat” Ruth Priest Jenkins, 97, of Amarillo, TX, died Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

A memorial service will be held on January 31, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Hillside Christian Church Northwest, 600 Tascosa Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Patsye was born February 2, 1928, in Pear Valley, TX, to Clarence Eugene and Jennie Elizabeth (Fowler) Priest, and grew up on a dry land farm. She graduated from Lohn, in a class of 12. At the age of 10, she joined the 4H club and the skills she learned influenced her entire lifetime. She raised hogs, chickens, sheep, sewed her own clothes and won many awards for her canning. She held every office in the Pear Valley Club and was awarded the Gold Star 4-H girl for McCulloch County in her third year. Patsye was also awarded the Maggie W. Barry scholarship offered to Texas’ most outstanding 4-H Club girl. While Patsye was an only child, she had a large extended family that lived near her family farm which meant there were always plenty of playmates. Pat was always willing to lend a hand and often used her skills to help her family and neighbors.

After high school graduation, she attended Texas Tech University with the intent to major in Home Economics. However, after meeting her future husband Dee, in Brady TX, her plans changed. After a holiday wedding on a break between college semesters she moved to College Station with Dee so he could complete his Veterinary studies. At that time, Texas A&M was an all-male college, so she was not able to complete her degree.

After Dee’s graduation, they moved to Colorado City TX, where their first daughter Brenda was born. They moved from Colorado City to Brady, but severe drought conditions led them to Amarillo in 1950. Darla and Jeffrey were both born in Amarillo. Together they built the family home on Tascosa Road in 1964. This home would serve as a hub of service for many years. Pat’s gift of hospitality was fulfilled in this home. Pat planned and hosted numerous events there: Easter Sunrise Services and egg hunts, Carnivals, Crazy dinners, Christmas celebrations, showers, small group bible studies and numerous family dinners are just a few of the events she hosted. She blessed so many people through her hospitality.

She lived and served in Amarillo for over 70 years. Pat spent the last 18 months of her life in Granbury, Texas in a memory care facility.

Pat loved her family and worked to always provide what everyone needed. She was a dedicated prayer warrior whose prayers will be sorely missed. She also loved coffee, chocolate, anything orange but most of all she loved Jesus. She gave her life in service to Him, reading her bible daily. Pat was also blessed with the gift of encouragement. Known for writing encouraging cards, she never missed a birthday or an anniversary.

Pat attended West Amarillo Church of Christ, Plum Creek Fellowship, Amarillo South and Hillside Christian Church. She volunteered for several years at Amarillo Christian School and was recognized as Sweetheart of the Year by the Associates in 1980.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a 2-year-old sister, Billie Lucille. She was also preceded by her husband and infant grandson, William Reid Jenkins.

Survived by her children: Brenda and Anthony Redd, Darla and Ray Grimes, Jeff and Vali Jenkins, her grandchildren: DeJon Redd, Linsye and Chad Taylor, Jenny and Tait Wesson, Jake Jenkins, Gracie and Jakh Bandy, Jeb Jenkins and by 4 great-grandchildren: Ada Taylor, Lanham and Blue Wesson and Wilhem Bandy, two nieces and a special double cousin, Joe Priest.

The Family would like to thank Aviva Memory Care staff for the care they provided Pat during her time there. Special thanks to Wings over Texas Hospice for their kind and caring support during the final days.

The Family suggest memorial gifts be sent to:

• Moments of Inspiration - 5728 White Settlement Rd - Westworth Village, Tx 76114

• Christian Relief Fund - P.O. Box 19670 - Amarillo, TX 79114-1670