Home » OBITUARY:  Health First Foundation Board Member Patricia Ann Pruitt, 87, Passed Away July 21

OBITUARY:  Health First Foundation Board Member Patricia Ann Pruitt, 87, Passed Away July 21

By  //  August 12, 2023

Pat and Jack have been faithful members of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Indialantic since 1960

Patricia Ann Pruitt (nee Drake), of Indialantic, Florida passed away at home on Friday, July 21, 2023. Pat was born in Anderson, South Carolina on April 28, 1936 to parents Samuel T. Drake and Wilma M. Drake. She was an active member of the Health First Hospice Board of Directors since 1989, serving as Chair from 2012 to 2018. Pat also served on the Health First Foundation Board since 2003. During that time, she was active on many committees, chaired the Foundation Benefit Ball, and served as Board Secretary since 2012.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Patricia Ann Pruitt (nee Drake), of Indialantic, Florida passed away at home on Friday, July 21, 2023. Pat was born in Anderson, South Carolina on April 28, 1936, to parents Samuel T. Drake and Wilma M. Drake.

Pat met her husband of 67 years, James (“Jack”) Ernest Pruitt, Jr. while in Starr, South Carolina. They were married on August 11, 1956. Pat spent her formative years in Anderson, South Carolina where she attended Girls High School and was Student Body President in her senior year.

She then attended Winthrop College prior to marrying Jack. After their honeymoon, they moved to Indialantic for Jack’s career at Radiation, Inc (now part of L3Harris Corp). Pat set up a loving home to welcome the arrival of sons Jim and Drake, and dedicated her time in service to Holmes Regional as a volunteer, and as a member of the Junior League.

She was also a dedicated mixed doubles partner who loved playing tennis with family and friends at the Eau Gallie Yacht Club. In 1973, Jack’s career led the family to the Northeast, first to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and then on to Mystic Connecticut where Pat dedicated her time to raising the family, continuing her love for playing tennis, and earning her real estate license.

In 1981, Pat was delighted to rejoin her dearest friends and the community when Harris asked Jack to move back to Indialantic, where her heart had always been at its fullest.

Pat enjoyed entertaining, playing bridge, reading, and time spent with her friends and family. Though known for her wit and southern charm, Pat possessed uncommon strength and determination.

When dealt with a devastating breast cancer diagnosis in 1982, she persevered through many months of chemotherapy and numerous surgeries at MD Anderson in Houston. She emerged cancer-free and deeply indebted to the cancer and hospice communities. Over the following 35 years, Pat dedicated her time to supporting cancer treatment and hospice organizations.

She was an active member of the Health First Hospice Board of Directors since 1989, serving as Chair from 2012 to 2018. Pat also served on the Health First Foundation Board since 2003. During that time, she was active on many committees, chaired the Foundation Benefit Ball, and served as Board Secretary since 2012.

Pat also served as the President of the Junior Service League, and as a member of the Brevard Art Center & Museum in Melbourne.

Pat and Jack have been faithful members of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Indialantic since 1960.

She is survived by her loving husband Jack, her sons Jim (Julie) and Drake (Wendy), five grandchildren Jack (Emmie), Austin, Adam (Noelle), Evan (Luke), Hudson and Piper, her brother Dr. Sam Drake (Nancy) and nieces Kirby, Whitney and Casey, her brother-in-law Dr.Wesley Pruitt (Ellanor) and niece Nora.

A celebration of life will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 N. Riverside Drive, Indialantic on Sunday, August 27, at 3 p.m. followed by a reception.