Patricia (Pati) Ann Roy

Pati was born at Halifax Hospital, Daytona Beach on January 15, 1949, Mother, Norma Christine Baker Cantrell and Father, James (Red) Ester Cantrell. Pati attended Kindergarten at Lockhart Elementary School, which we laughed about several times because I (David) also attended Lockhart 2 years ahead of her, but we never met back then.

The family moved to Georgia for a short time, then back to Central Florida. Pati attended Grand Avenue Elementary, then on to Cherokee Junior High school and completing High School as a Boone Brave, graduating in the Class of 1967. Her dad & mom were very proud of her for doing so well. Pati was an avid reader as a child and as she grew up that love for reading carried throughout her entire life. She loved reading the newspaper, and array of different types of books, mostly mystery novels.

Pati & David met in Florida Hospital, Rollins Ave., January of 1963. David had just turned 16 and Pati was 13, we were only 11 days apart with our birthdays. She was in the hospital sharing a room with another young lady. David was with a friend who was visiting the other girl. Pati & David started talking and from that point their love grew. In 1965 they separated for a time, then David went in the service. He went to Vietnam, March 1966, for 18 months returning in October 1967. Shortly before coming home, he called Pati from Nam. It was Florida vs Georgia football game weekend, and she had just got home from all the fun. He asked her if she would like to go out when he got home, and she said yes. From that point our love continued growing.

September 21, 1968, we were married, and our journey began. Before we wed, we meant with the preacher, and he was reluctant to marry us because we are both only children and he said we would never last together. Well almost 58 years later still in Love and together. We have 2 Great children, Our daughter, Stacey Roy Courtney, husband Frank Hubbard Courtney and our son Travis Jason Roy. We have 3 beautiful grandchildren, Kyle Clayton Courtney, Emily Anne Courtney, and Katelyn Ann Roy. We have had several loving 4-legged members of our family over the years, we’ve loved each one equally. Our latest, Barley Roy, loved his mom Pati and spent very day in her arms giving & receiving Love!!

During our early days with the children Pati was very involved with the Altamonte Elementary PTA. We had several events for the kids during her tenure. One year we had an Almost Anything Goes Day event for all the children, with all kinds of games, prizes, trophies, plus a picnic style lunch. Everyone had a lot of FUN! Then we did YMCA Indian Guides & Indian Princess, and we had very good bonding time with the kids and ourselves.

After the YMCA programs we got involved with Seminole Soccer Club, spending many years taking Stacey & Travis all over the country watching them play soccer. We liked it so much, to this day, Pati watches soccer on TV every chance she gets. We helped organize a Soccer Jamboree at Lyman High School for Seminole Soccer Club, 1000+ children of all ages had a parade, mini games, pictures and lots fun! This event opened the soccer season. During their high school years, we worked the concession at Lyman High School football games so we could watch Stacey & Travis play during the soccer season. Pati had a habit during the games if they weren’t going well, she would holler out “I’m Not Happy” and the players knew who was yelling! Sometimes that would help the team to kick it in gear. Pati & I loved being active with our children as they were growing up. We had many great years!

As the kids got older and moved on with college and other events, in 1989 we got involved with the Masonic Lodge and the Bahia Shriners Hospital Programs helping physically challenged children. We were in the Legion of Honor, the Soccer Program, Bingo and RV Club. One of our most Special & Heart-Warming events we hosted for 20+ years, was the Annual Children’s Christmas Party for the children in the Shrine Hospital program. Pati & I loved working with and having Fun with all the people in our Great Fraternity, Shriners Hospitals for Children! Pati is a member of the Daughters of the Nile and Bahia Ladies Auxiliary. She loved going camping and playing games with all the ladies in the RV Club. We had a lot of fun and met a lot of good fun people!

Hug & Kiss the ones you Love!

You never know when they’ll be gone.