Verna Mae Patton

Verna Mae Hicks Patton passed away peacefully into eternal life on May 29, 2018 at her home in Dallas, Texas.Verna was a beloved sister, aunt, friend, cherished mentor and teacher to many. Her beautiful smile, inspiration and genteel manner will never be forgotten by the family and friends she leaves behind. Her faith and love for God was evident in her life and the way she lived it.

Verna Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Jay Dee and Francis Hicks, her brother, J.D. Hicks,Jr. and her brother in law, H. C. “Buddy” Boek.

She was born in Houston on February 18, 1935. Her father built her childhood home, where she lived until her graduation from the University of Houston, during which time she began a 50 year White Violet-membership with Zeta Tau Alpha. She was a National Officer until her death. Her teaching career spanned 46 years, beginning in Caracas, Venezuela and spending 35 years in the Richardson Independent School District, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year several times. She closed her career by teaching English as a Second Language classes to adult women for 7 years. She was an active member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church where she attended the 2x2 Sunday School class and volunteered in the Library for over 20 years. Even after her health kept her from attending, she was able to stream the services each and every Sunday.

Verna will be remembered by many lifelong friends and students. She never met a stranger, and kept in contact with former students, some of who were instrumental in securing care for her in her final days. She was an avid reader and Book Club member, even talking about another book she was going to review in the fall, just days before she passed away. Always the optimist! Her love of learning never faded. She enjoyed being a docent for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at the De Golyer House.

She was proud of her Texas heritage and faithfully celebrated San Jacinto Day and Texas Independence Day, which she did one year at dawn, in front of the Alamo. She was a dedicated and precious Aunt to her nieces and nephews, who will never forget the fun she brought to our lives. She instilled in all of us a love for learning and reading and made each one of us feel that we were her favorite. We hold these memories close to our hearts and will miss her until we meet again.

Verna is survived by her sister, Barbara Boek, her sister in law, Camille Hicks, nephews J.D Hicks lll and wife Becky, and Mark Hines and wife Joan. Her nieces are Nancy Elliott and husband Tom, Donna Crook and husband Ed, Bonnie Schuetz and husband Chuck, Cindy Duffy and husband Tim and Vicky Bergman and husband Andy. She had 12 great and 12 great great nieces and nephews. Last, but certainly not least, is her former student, Kimberly Bui. Kimberly was a daughter to Verna, and the relationship they shared enriched each of their lives to the utmost. Thank you, Kimberly, for always being there for Aunt Vernie. She loved you and your precious family so much, and we are all eternally grateful for everything you did for her.

There will be a visitation at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home at 7405 West NW Highway, Dallas, Texas.

Donations may be made to the Library fund at Highland Park United Methodist Church, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority or Accord PHC Hospice Charity Fund, 17400 Dallas Parkway, Suite #240, Dallas, Tx.75287.