Pauline Chrisman Pritchett

Pauline Chrisman Pritchett died peacefully October 30, 2004, after a very difficult year. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John, an Austin attorney; parents, Evelyn and Palmer Chrisman; and brother, Dr. Palmer Chrisman. Born in Corsicana, Pauline moved to Austin with her family as a high school senior. She attended The University of Texas, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. She obtained an M.A. in English literature with a French minor. She left a Ph. D. program to teach and help her family during the Depression. While at UJH, Pauline met and married John Pritchett. She left teaching, moving to NYC during WWII. She and John returned to Austin after the war. After the untimely death of her husband, Pauline returned to teaching. She taught French and English at O. Henry before moving to Austin High. At AHS, she delighted in her Shakespearean courses. Pauline, a Teacher of the Year, served as English Department Chair for 10 years. During this period, AHS achieved national recognition for excellence. A true teacher who loved her work, she delighted in the accomplishments of her many former students. Her family was always amazed at how many of her former students she encountered around Austin—and how they showered her with kisses, hugs, and quotations from Shakespeare. Pauline was thrilled at her induction into the AHS Hall of Honor after her retirement. She was teaching French to her therapists the week she died. A longtime member of the University Presbyterian Church, she missed active participation due to ill health. She loved her times with her ‘circle’, using her teaching abilities to lead the lessons. Despite failing health and eyesight, Pauline delighted in the family she adored, eating out at El Rancho, and listening to books on tape. She was a giving, selfless, and brilliant woman with strong political opinions to the end. She will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Evelyn Ewing, of Austin and grandson, Sean, of Philadelphia and NYC; her son and his wife, John and Janet Pritchett, of Midland and their children, Sara of San Antonio and Russell of San Marcos; her adored nieces, Ann Parker of Austin and Bettie Haller of Amarillo and their wonderful families; and her nephew, Carr Pritchett, of Albuquerque. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2004 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at Austin Memorial Cemetery at 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 2, 2004, with Rev. Judy Skaggs officiating. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 (512) 452-8811 You may view memorials online at wcfish.com