Patricia “Patty” Ann (O’Cain) Whetsell

Patricia Ann O’Cain Whetsell went home to be with her Savior on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at the age of 85. 

Patty was born in Orangeburg, SC on March 11, 1938. Her humble beginnings and her need to help on the family farm forged her conservative thriftiness and tireless work ethic. 

In high school, Patty was an accomplished athlete; she was a member of the women’s all-district basketball team and helped lead Bowman High School to the women’s state basketball championship in 1955. Her senior year, she served as President of the Beta Club and was elected Miss Hi Miss by her fellow students. 

She acquired a business degree from Palmer Business College and was married later that same year. Throughout her life, she served in a variety of administrative roles for numerous churches and businesses. 

Patty’s legacy is her love for and devotion to her family, her unselfish service to others, the strong bonds of friendship she formed wherever she lived, and above all else, her profound faith in God. Over the years, many of her friendships were formed around the study of the Scriptures. 

Her seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren loved their Grandma Patty. All of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew that Grandma was a woman of faith and that nothing would bring her greater joy than hearing that they were walking in His truth. (III John 1:4) 

Proverbs 13:22a says: A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. Patty walked out faith, forgiveness, selflessness, and generosity which impacted our entire family. May her heart and passion for our Messiah continue to many generations!

Patty’s heavenly reunion was led by her grandson, Austin Whetsell of Lexington, her former husband, Gene Whetsell of Walterboro, her brother-in-law, Butch Looper of Bowman, and her parents, Harold and Dorothy O’Cain of Orangeburg.

She is survived by her daughters Deryl Paradis (Gerry) of Greenville, Terri Johnk (Fritz) of Hornick, IA, and Walter Gene Whetsell, Jr. (Kim) of Lexington. Patty’s grandchildren are Ashlyn Maronn, Hans (Kim) Johnk, and Gabe Johnk; Taylor, Walter Gene III (Caitlyn), and Emma Whetsell. Great-grandchildren are Sawyer, Bailey, Myka, and Eli Maronn, as well as Ada Mae and Mina Jo Johnk. Patty’s brothers are Jim (Dixie) O’Cain of Bowman and Jerry O’Cain of Chapin; her sister, Kaye O’Cain Reid of Spartanburg. Sister-in-law Gwen Whetsell Looper of Bowman, brother-in-law Ashley (Darla) Whetsell of Columbia and ten nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly. 

The family will receive visitors at Mackey Funerals at Woodlawn, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC, on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at noon, with a funeral service at 2:00 PM. The burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that memorials be made in her memory to Sarah Simpson Gossett Home, 27 Conestee Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605 or via Venmo by clicking: https://account.venmo.com/u/PattyWhetsell-SarahGossett.

MACKEY FUNERALS AND CREMATIONS AT WOODLAWN MEMORIAL PARK in Greenville, S.C. is in charge of the services.

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