Patricia Yancey DeJesus Obituary

Patricia “Pat” Yancey DeJesus, 75, of Alexandria, VA, passed away on November 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy built on kindness, joy, and love. Pat lived by simple but profound guiding principles: care deeply, embrace differences, and find joy wherever it appears. Her life was a reflection of these beliefs.

Born on July 24, 1950, in Richmond, VA, to John and Gladys Yancey, Pat grew up the second of six children in a busy, loving home shaped by deep faith and strong family bonds. She helped raise her younger siblings, beginning a lifetime of service to others from an early age.

A Life of Service and Faith

Caring for others came naturally to Pat and guided her entire life. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, preparing for a career devoted to helping the vulnerable. Early in her career, she took on roles that brought her directly into the lives of those who needed help the most, meeting each person with dignity and unwavering compassion.

With a lifelong commitment to learning, she later earned her Master of Social Work from The Catholic University of America, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and later a registered play therapist. As a child therapist, she offered steady support to children who needed a patient, understanding presence in their lives. Her work reflected who she was—consistent, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the needs of others. She met the world’s sorrows with gentleness and responded with kindness, touching countless lives in quiet, lasting ways.

Pat's faith was a cornerstone of her life, offering her constant strength and solace. As a devoted member of The Basilica of Saint Mary, she found meaning in worship, community, and service to others.

Family: Her Greatest Joy

In 1969, Pat met David DeJesus, who knew from the start that she was the love of his life. They married in 1970 and built a partnership grounded in devotion and deep respect. Their children, Troy (born 1976) and Tracy Marie (born 1979), became the center of her world.

Pat was a nurturing, fully engaged parent, encouraging her children (and later her four grandchildren) to explore their creativity, pursue their interests, think for themselves, and act with integrity. She embraced her daughter-in-law, Melissa, and her son-in-law, Andrew, forming a bond with them as genuine as with her own children. She created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and steadfast guidance. She also cherished her siblings and their families, maintaining close bonds that spanned generations.

Pat was the anchor of her family and the constant presence and gentle voice that held everyone together. Her presence, small in stature but mighty in spirit, made every gathering brighter and every burden lighter.

A Creative Spirit

Curious and creative, Pat loved to learn. She read endlessly and had a gift for mastering whatever she tried, including cooking, quilting, knitting, puzzles, and caring for her plants. Everything she made was an expression of love. Few things brought her more joy than music. She loved attending musicals with her daughter, discovering live music with her husband, and embracing the simple joy of dancing whenever she could.

Pat found magic in the moments others might overlook: a house full of laughter during the holidays, everyone under one roof; a warm breeze at the annual beach vacation, when she, David, their children, and grandchildren (a family of ten) crowded into a small condo, sharing stories late into the night. Those were the moments she held closest.

Survived By

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys, and her brother John Jr. (Johnny). She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David; her children Troy DeJesus (Melissa) and Tracy Tobin (Andrew); her grandchildren Lacey, Darcy, Layla, and Liam; and her siblings Penny Pederson, Pamela Williamson, Jerry Yancey, and Paula Mitchell.

In Loving Memory

Pat’s absence leaves an ache beyond words, yet her love remains constant, gentle, and all around us. She now watches over her family with the same love and devotion she gave in life.

Funeral Mass

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated in memory of Pat at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Old Town Alexandria, VA, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Alice’s Kids, Carpenter’s Shelter, ACT for Alexandria, or a charity of your choice that supports those in need, honoring Pat’s lifelong dedication to helping others.