Patricia Ann Walker Childress

Patricia Ann Walker Childress
January 22, 1936 – December 10, 2015

Patricia Ann Walker Childress flew away on Thursday, December 10th, surrounded by loving family and a host of friends. She was born in Houston, TX on January 22, 1936 to Margaret Ann and Cooper Drexel Nail.

Patricia and her brother, Richard Wallace Walker, grew up in Houston, New Orleans and San Francisco. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston in 1953 and married William H. Cowgill that same year. The newlyweds moved to Ft. Bragg, NC where their first daughter Kathi was born. After Bill’s service in the Army ended, they had two more daughters, Patti and Billi Jean. After she and Bill divorced, she married George Childress in 1971.

Patricia loved to dance, read, cook, travel, and garden. There was hardly any place she loved more than the beach at Galveston, where she spent many happy moments throughout her long life. Education was important to her, so once her kids were raised and she became a grandmother, she attended Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelors Degree in History at the age of 52. From then, she spent the rest of her life teaching school, retiring at 78 years old. She taught at St. Michael’s Academy, and in both Bryan and College Station ISD’s.

She was also an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brazos Valley, where she served as the Director of Religious Education and taught Sunday School for many years.

Patricia had a great sense of humor and an optimistic outlook on life. Her motto was “Be of Good Cheer!” Despite overcoming hard times throughout her life, she always had a smile on her face. She loved her friends, and had a special kinship with Winnie Garner, her BFF.

Above all, she adored her six grandchildren, including her granddaughter-in-law. She was Grammie! She loved them with her whole heart.

She is predeceased by her mother Margaret Ann Crawford, her father Cooper Drexel Nail, her brother Richard Wallace Walker, her husbands William H. Cowgill and George Childress. Survivors include her daughters Kathi Appelt and husband Ken, Patti Miller and husband Spencer, Billi Jean Murphree; and her grandchildren Jacob Appelt, Cooper Appelt and wife Laurel Kathleen; William Miller, Max Miller; Maggie Yewens and Riley Yewens and their father Harry Yewens. She also leaves behind her beloved pup, Sophie.

The family would like to thank the wonderful crew at Encompass Hospice, the caring staff at the Oncology Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital and at the Cancer Clinic, as well as Jennifer George. She felt buoyed by their care and affection.

A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2016, the day after what would have been her 80th birthday, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brazos Valley. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the church, 305 Wellborn Rd., College Station TX 77840, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences

  1. Ken and Kathi,
    We are sad to hear the news of Grammie’s passing. She was an amazing person with so much passion and good cheer. She will truly be missed by all. If you need anything at all, please don’t ever hesitate to call on us. We love you dearly! xoxo

  2. My relationship with Pat was through a many decades friendship with her daughters Patti and Billi Jean and their respective spouses. Pat was a hoot to be around and it takes little effort for me to hear hear her wonderful laugh. She will be missed now only by her close family but by her many friends.

  3. Dearest Family. I just found out about your Mom and I am so sorry . I had no idea she had been sick. Please accept our love and sympathy. We plan on attending her memorial service in January..
    Love, Helen and Craig Owen
    28818 Shadowrock
    San Antonio, Texas 78260
    helenowen563@yahoo.com
    cell 713-898-8881 Helen
    cell 713-898-2896 Craig

  4. We send our thoughts and prayers to the family. May you be comforted by the many memories you cherish the most.
    Anne & Mark

  5. Pat was so much fun to be with wherever the two of us might be.i haven’t seen pat much in the last few years but we kept in touch. My prayers are with kathi,Patti and b.j.as well as their families. I am glad that I knew this special person.

  6. Kathi, Ken, and family, I am so sad to hear this news. Pat was a wonderful light during my time in College Station. You are all in my thoughts.

  7. BJ and Kathi,
    So sad to learn of Pat’s passing. She is such a large part of my A&M memories. Know I am holding you all close in my prayers. Much love, Suzanne

  8. Kathi and Ken,

    So sorry that Pat has left us. She will be greatly missed. Wish I had been more aware of time. Always seems sufficient, but alas, is not.

  9. My deepest condolences to all the family.
    Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
    “We surely belong to Allah and to Him we shall return”
    Sura Al-Baqara, Verse 156.

  10. Pat was a remarkable lady judging from the rematkable daughter that she raised. I first met her when she worked at A and M Consolidated Hugh School where she quickly established a reputation as a wonderful paraprofessional. I always enjoyed our chance encounters and she delighted me with her warm greeting with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.
    I am confident that she is resting in peace and loves you from her resting place.

  11. I was truly blessed to know Grammie, she made me feel as if I was one of her own. My thoughts are with all of you…especially Maggie, I know how much sweet Grammie meant to you.

    All my love,

    Laura Fields
    Seymour

  12. Dear Kathi and family,

    My sympathies to you as you grieve the loss of your beloved mother. By the lovely obituary, I can tell she had a full and and fulfilling life filled with personal successes and much love. What a blessing.

    Peace and comfort to you all.

  13. I really loved Pat and missed seeing her. She and I discussed our experiences with college classes taken at a mature age!! She was always fun to be with and we shared many laughs together.
    I was coming with Harry to Pat’s service but have had the Houston crud…bronchitis. ..so won’t make it. I love you all…sally
    You will be in my prayers tomorrow.

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