Patricia Ann Jolley

Patricia Anne Jolley owner and proprietor of Jolley Memorial Chapel, PA, left her earthly life to gain heavenly reward on Wednesday, March 25 following a sudden illness at the tender age of 63. She was going strong beginning each day with prayer, devotionals, and exercise.

Patricia was the youngest of three daughters, born in Salisbury, MD, on May 8, 1956, to Thornton B. and Loretta B. Jolley.  She recently learned that her birthday is actually May 9th, while applying for a passport.  Her mother, Loretta and grandmother, Ada, taught her diligence, patience, respect, and a strong love for God and faith.  Her father, Thornton B. Jolley, died when she was 5 years old, leaving her mother, grandmother, and two young sisters. 

Patricia attended Wicomico County Public Schools and graduated from Wicomico Senior High School in 1974.  During her school years, Patricia was active in the Girl Scouts of America, American Legions, and T.O.P.S.  Furthermore, she entered various pageants, where she placed second in the Maryland Junior Miss Pageant. 

In school she was involved in cheerleading, choral arts, and various extracurricular activities while assisting her mother in the family business.  Upon high school graduation, she attended Wesley College in Dover, Delaware, earning her Associate’s Degree in Arts.  She then matriculated at Catonsville Community College earning an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science and served her apprenticeship in Baltimore City.

Patricia returned to Salisbury where she worked closely with her mother at Jolley Memorial Chapel.  On April 26, 1980, she married Edwin Lee Lashley and from this union, two children were born, Ryanne and Edwin.  Several years later, she married Daniel Lee King in 1994, who preceded her in death on May 14, 2015. 

Like her mother, Patricia was very active in the community, serving on several community action boards including The Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Authority, The Salisbury Historical Task Force, and The United Way of the Eastern Shore.  This past November, she received The Community Award for her commitment to the Berlin community from Lincoln Lodge Post 53. She also received the WDIH Broadcast Award and was recognized by the Briddell Family of Berlin, MD, for her commitment to scholarship and community efforts.

Under the guidance of her mother and grandmother, she was a member of the former John Wesley Methodist Church, later Wesley Temple United Methodist Church.  She sang in all choirs and was a member of the Methodist Youth Fellowship.  At Wesley Temple, she started the first Children’s Choir.  Her most current church affiliation is Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, where she served on the worship team and assistant small group leader for the Grief Share Ministry.    

Patricia’s love for the arts included dramatic presentations and vocal performances.  She performed with several bands, including “On the Edge”, “Shades of Blue”, and her own group, “Special Occasion”.  Every summer she looked forward to performing at the annual White Party, hosted by Mr. Herbie Fletcher. 

She traveled frequently to Williamsburg, VA taking in the historical sights, shopping, and visiting friends. Patricia enjoyed sewing, attending Broadway plays, and spending time with her children.  Each Sunday, she would dine out with her children, visiting various restaurants within the Delmarva area.  Her keen eye for fashion and style was cultivated by her mother and aunts. 

Patricia’s faith in God was unwavering and unapologetic.  In addition, one could find Patricia interceding and ministering on behalf of others, using social media.  Throughout her life, she stood firm in her faith, knowing that God loved her, and she lived to serve Him.  Patricia was a consummate servant leader. 

She leaves to continue her legacy, two children, Ryanne Lashley Camper (Russell) of Delmar, MD and Edwin T. Lashley of Salisbury, MD; two sisters, Terrelle J. Gray (Arthur) and Dr. Roni L. Jolley, both of Baltimore, MD; one niece, Erin Terrelle Gray of Baltimore, MD; Her mother in law, Mary King; brothers in law, Kazi, Toure, Boston, MA; John King, Wilmington, DE; two sisters in law, Marva King, Wilmington, DE, and Kelly King, Philadelphia, PA; A special friend, Patricia A. Gortman -Selby  of Laurel, DE;  as well as a host of relatives and friends in the Delmarva area.  Patricia also leaves behind her dearly beloved dog, Georgi and grand-dog, Murphy.

Besides her husband, she is preceded in death, by her mother, Loretta B. Jolley; two aunts, Arline V. Young, Lucretia B. Whitten; and one cousin, George Bibbins.

A private funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, April 4, 2020, at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 217 Beaglin Park Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21804. She will lie in state from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday, April 3, 2020, at Jolley Memorial Chapel, P.A. on Jersey Road, Salisbury, Maryland. Private family hour is from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Interment will be at Parson's Cemetery, 912 N. Division Street, Salisbury, Maryland 21801.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.