Frances Patricia “Patsy” Kernan, 71, of Mathews, joined her Heavenly Father on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, after a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Patsy was born August 13, 1942. In 1972, Patsy married the love of her life, John N. Kernan Jr. She worked as a CNA for 28 years from Illinois to Virginia. Patsy was known for her wonderful sense of humor, artistic talent, and loving spirit. Patsy was a woman of strong faith in the Lord.

She is survived by her loving husband, John Kernan, and four children, Don Parks and wife Debbie of Gloucester, Tim Parks and wife Donna of Hartfield, Kelly Smith and husband David Alan of Moon, and Kim West and husband Jason of Cobbs Creek. Patsy was known as “Memaw” to the lights of her life, her 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sweet dog of 11 years, Teddy.

The family received friends on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Brian Kramer of Mathews Baptist Church officiating. A small gathering at her graveside in H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery will follow. The family will receive family and friends after the services at Mathews Baptist Church in Hudgins, Va.

The family would like to send a very heartfelt thank you to Rappahannock General Cancer Center for their loving care and a special thank you to the hospice nurses for their care. The family would also wish to encourage everyone to support the American Red Cross by donating blood.