Patricia "Patsy" Fairley Dingman

Patricia “Patsy” Fairley Dingman, age 82 of Gulfport passed away on Tuesday May 12th, 2026 after a brief illness.

Patsy was born in Moss Point on April 11, 1944 to Elmo Dick Fairley and Patricia Devereaux Fairley. Patsy grew up and lived in Gulfport her whole life where she was an active member of Nugent United Methodist Church. The church played a special role during her entire life as her father was an influential member who helped establish a community presence and rebuild the physical structures seen standing today, and she had many special memories there including family weddings, baptisms, and confirmations. She spent 32 years in Real Estate, retiring in 2006 from Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty. She was a member of the Million Dollar Club, National Association of Realtors, and won many other prestigious awards throughout her career.

Patsy enjoyed supporting her favorite sports teams and listening to a wide-range of music genres. Who else would have a jukebox in their house except for Patsy! Some of her favorite teams were the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Braves and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. Her favorite musicians ranged from Elvis, Tammy Wynette, to Merle Haggard.

Patsy’s most endearing quality was the way she fiercely loved her family. She was their biggest supporter and cheerleader. At family dinners and get togethers, she could always be relied on to share a funny or crazy story from her past. Her family filled her with immense joy and happiness in the same way she filled them with her unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dick Fairley and VJ & Pat King, her sister Janis Pittman (Bill), brother Dickie Fairley, son Billy Dingman, and son-in-law Raymond Schankin.

She is survived by her loving husband Bob of 58 years, her daughter Patti “Tootie” Schankin (John), daughter in law Elizabeth Dingman, grandchildren Drew Schankin (Louise), Holly Schankin (Adam), Tyler Schankin (Olivia), Jack Mann (Chandler); great grandchildren Presley & Kasey Schankin, Connley Blackwell, and McCoy Schankin, brother Donnie Fairley (Emma Kate), best friend Mary Pyle, and numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital Gulfport, especially in the ICU, for their amazing care and the staff and her friends at the Lyman Senior Center.

Donations may be made to Nugent United Methodist Church in memory of Patsy, 13183 John Clark Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.

Funeral Services will be held at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on O'Neal Road in Gulfport on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Friends may visit from 3:00 pm until service time. Burial will be at a later date at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Patricia "Patsy" Fairley Dingman.