Patricia Oates Collier

Patricia Oates Collier was born on February 6, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, the third of four children to George Erskine Garfield and Magdeline Pierce Garfield. Her father affectionately called her "Bootsie," a nickname he playfully bestowed while bouncing her on his knee and singing whimsical songs. After graduating from high school, Pat married Charles Newton in August 1968, and they had two sons, Bryant and Andre. In 1976, the family relocated to Houston, Texas, following Charles's job transfer. Pat also secured a position at Texas Instruments, where she dedicated herself until her retirement in 2008.

Following her divorce, Pat raised her sons as a single parent. During a visit to Houston, her Aunt Gladys introduced her to Samuel Oates, whom she later married. Samuel was a diligent worker, a devoted provider, an enthusiastic fisherman, and an invaluable father figure to Pat's teenage sons. Their marriage lasted 22 years until tragedy struck when Samuel passed away in a car accident. Known for her kindness and compassion, Pat deeply cared for others as a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She generously assisted numerous individuals in need, unable to bear the thought of anyone going without. Patricia found solace in gardening, nurturing a diverse array of plants both indoors and in her garden. She had a profound appreciation for beautiful flowers, music, and was an avid reader. Pat also loved dogs and always had one as a pet, finding great joy and companionship in their presence. Her life was a journey known to God, and she was blessed to have Richard Collier join her on this path, first as a close friend and then as a loving husband. When Pat began experiencing challenging health issues, Richard's devotion grew even stronger. He took on the critical role of ensuring her comfort and care, managing the safe and sterile process of at-home dialysis night after night for the past years.

Pat was predeceased by her parents and her three siblings, Michelle, Ingrid, and Gwendolyn. Those left to cherish her memory include her loving and devoted husband, Richard Collier; her two sons, Bryant Newton and Andre Newton; her grandchildren, Ashley Collier and Ezekiel Newton; her great-grandchildren, Addie Collier, Maddie Collier, and Peyton Walton; her sister, Janice Elligan; her brother, Ronald Garfield; her aunt, Gladys Harden; her uncle, Solomon Pierce (Susan); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation for Patricia will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, with funeral services to follow. A committal service will occur at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery after the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, in Patricia's memory.