Patricia Diane Booker, 76, of Petersburg, Virginia, was called home on July 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy rooted in family, faith, and a lifelong love of nurturing children, gardens, and communities.

Born and raised in Petersburg, Patricia pursued her education with pride and a deep appreciation for her history.  She was a proud Girl Scout who carried the values of service, leadership, and sisterhood throughout her life. She attended Peabody High School before graduating from Petersburg High School in 1968. Driven by a lifelong belief that learning never ends, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from Virginia State University in 1972, and later, her master's degree in Sociology from Ohio State University.

Patricia was a dedicated professional who used her talents to uplift others and champion vital causes. In Washington, D.C., she served with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and worked passionately with the 70001 Training and Employment Institute, a national non-profit dedicated to rescuing and empowering at-risk youth through education and workforce development. Her career also took her to Denver, Colorado, where she supported and advocated for the energy conservation movement.

Returning to Virginia, she served as the Human Resources Director for the Richmond Ambulance Authority, worked to support youth and families with the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, and worked extensively to promote financial wellness as a division leader for Primerica Financial Services. She retired from her beloved alma mater, Virginia State University, working with the College of Agriculture and Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Throughout the years, Patricia remained deeply committed to her family and community. She was a faithful member of Zion Baptist Church. As a devoted member of the Prince George Master Gardeners, she found peace and joy in coaxing beauty from the earth and sharing that gift with others.

Those who knew Patricia knew her hands were rarely still, her mind was bright and curious, and her spirit was wonderfully playful.

She loved gardening, traveling, and camping. She was also an avid tennis fan, finding immense joy in playing the sport herself and watching matches whenever she could, or simply settling in at home with a good puzzle. But, above all else, Patricia put family first. Nothing brought her more pride than being a grandmother, and her love for her family was the truest garden she ever tended.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Mae Pitt; father, James Booker, Sr.; sisters, Brenda Booker and Ruth Ella Booker Camm; and her grandparents, Emmit F. Booker (Lottie) and William D. Pitt, Sr. ("Doll Baby").

Patricia leaves to cherish her memory her loving spouse, Qaadir Hasan of VA; her son, Christopher Burnette (Shaneece Dixon); granddaughter, Emma C. Keller-Burnette of FL; grandson, Zaire Hasan of VA; brother, James Booker, Jr. of MD; nieces, Nikkia Camm of VA and Amanda Miller (Tony) of MD; nephews, Dominique Camm of NC and Jonathan Bohannon of CA; aunts, Valerie Harris of VA, and Ruth Laverne Hailstock (NJ); a treasured circle of grand-nieces and grand-nephews who filled her heart with joy; and a host of extended family and friends whose lives she touched.

Her garden here is at rest, but the seeds she planted in each of us will bloom for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, The family requests that memorial donations be made in Patricia's honor to: Virginia State University, Girl Scouts of the USA (or a scouting organization of your choice) or the Virginia Master Gardener Association.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1

A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA, Reverend Dr. Delano Douglas, Pastor, the Rev. Sonya D. Matthews, eulogist.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.