Patricia DuBois Harp

Patricia DuBois Harp, 93

Patricia DuBois Harp, 93, a longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach, Florida since 1954, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026, with Kathy Anderson Bowden faithfully by her side.

Pat was born on October 29, 1932, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Reuben Spear Ruff and Ruby Duke Ruff. She graduated high school with honors and enjoyed her senior year as a cheerleader. On March 29, 1952, she eloped and married the love of her life, William Leslie DuBois Jr., in Mississippi. The young couple briefly lived in Kentucky before finding their forever home in Fort Walton Beach in 1954.

Pat dedicated herself both to her family and her community. She worked for the City of Fort Walton Beach as a bookkeeper from 1955 to 1962 and later served at Eglin Federal Credit Union from 1989 until her retirement in January 2000. She was known for her strong work ethic, integrity, and warm spirit.

Above all, Pat was a devoted Christian whose life was anchored in her faith. In her younger years, she joyfully taught Sunday school, pouring love and biblical truth into the lives of countless children. Her faith remained steadfast throughout her 93 years, guiding her in every season of life.

On March 13, 1963, Pat and Billy welcomed their only daughter, Leslie DuBois Johnson, who was the joy of their life.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben Spear Ruff and Ruby Duke Ruff; her beloved husband of 38 years, William Leslie DuBois Jr.; and later her husband of eight years, Jack H. Harp.

She is survived by her daughter, Leslie DuBois Johnson, and son-in-law, Norm Johnson; her grandchildren, Jessica Dieken (Chris) and Jason Johnson (Antoinette); and her three cherished great-grandchildren, Everett Dieken, Elijah Dieken, and Griffin Johnson as well as several family members of the Harp family. 

She was also deeply blessed by her lifelong friendship with Grace Anderson (deceased), and by Grace’s daughter, Kathy Anderson Bowden, who became like a niece and dearest friend. Pat is lovingly remembered by Kathy’s husband, Bo Bowden, and their children, Josh, Thomas, and Derrick.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. service at Emerald Coast Church Assembly of God, 117 Jonquil Avenue Northwest, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548. The service will be officiated by Pastor Tim Black and will be streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and EmeraldCoastChurch.com for those unable to attend.

Cremation will take place, and her ashes will be distributed at a later date, as she requested, by her daughter, Kathy, and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those attending bring Little Debbie snacks, candy, cookies, or sweet treats that we can pass out to the residents, who call Belvedere Commons their forever home.

Leslie and her family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Belvedere Commons for their countless hours of compassionate care and love given over the last three and a half months as Pat transitioned to her heavenly home.

For those who feel led to contribute, a GoFundMe has been established to support the continued care of the residents at Belvedere Commons. The link is below.  Please give as you feel guided.

Pat’s life was marked by faith, devotion, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, grace, and unwavering belief in God’s promises — a legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved her.

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