Patty Ann Jackson (Barnett) was a force of nature—a vibrant spirit whose laughter and voice filled every room she entered, whose honesty and love marked her as truly unforgettable. Born on September 1, 1977, in Santa Ana, California, Patty brought the sunshine of her native state wherever she went—her presence always noticed, her absence now so profoundly felt. On May 29, 2026, in Newport Beach, California, she left this world in a sudden, shocking, and heartbreaking way, leaving behind a tapestry of memories that will endure.

Patty’s life was characterized by an energy that drew others to her, a vivacity that could not be dimmed, even by hardship. Patty was never one to shy from making her church moments—singing at the top of her lungs, gloriously off-key, or barking out commentary from the passenger seat—her humor and warmth unvarnished, her boldness both admired and, at times, playfully endured by those who knew her best. She held strong principles and even stronger convictions; she could listen quietly and offer comfort, but just as easily tell you when you were wrong, always with the keen sense of honesty that defined her.

Life brought Patty challenges, none greater than becoming an amputee, but even this she faced with courage and resilience. Her greatest accomplishment—her deepest joy—was raising her two sons, Austin Lee Roy Barnett and Brent Alexander Barnett. To Patty, her boys were her moon, her sun, and her stars. Through the pain, through the laughter, in every high and low, her devotion to Austin and Brent gave her strength. They were her pride, her comfort, and her legacy.

Patty’s story is also woven from moments of humor and candor: her love for crochet, her fondness for smoking weed—she would be the first to say, “come on now, if you know me you know that's the honest truth!”—her notorious habit of dropping things and playfully threatening to throw them out the window in fits of frustration that brought only more laughter to those around her. Every gesture, every antic, every bold pronouncement made a memory, cherished and unforgettable.

She was fiercely proud of returning to California, her home, where she thrived most fully. Here, surrounded by familiar faces and places, she reclaimed her happiness, her community, and her identity.

Patty now joins in rest those who have gone before her: her father, Louis Dale Jackson; her grandfather Roy Lee Jarrett; and her grandmother Mary Koval. Their memory, like hers, ripples through the lives of those still here.

She is survived by her beloved sons, Austin Lee Roy Branett and Brent Alexander Barnett; her mother Joyce Rae Van Nortrick and father John Lee Van Nortrick; her five sisters Mikey Irene Jackson, Crystal Renae Jackson, Pamela Michelle Jackson, Chelsea Michelle Richardson, and Jonalee Amber Van Nortick; her four newphers and two nieces; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and her only grandmother Patricia Jarrett at 91 years young. They, along with friends and all who knew her, carry forward her laughter and her strength.

To honor and remember Patty, visitation will be held on June 26, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at McCormick & Son Mortuaries, 25002 Moulton Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92637. A funeral service will immediately follow from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a reception from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., all at the same location.

We say farewell to Patty Ann Jackson (Barnett) with heavy hearts and eyes full of memory. Dramatic in gesture, unwavering in principle, outrageous in humor, steadfast in love—her passion for life will remain an echo in the laughter and lives of those who loved her, now, always, and forever.