Patricia Jane Hunt

Patricia Jane Harris Hunt passed away peacefully on April 16, 2017, at her residence at Brookdale Northwest Hills in Austin, Texas, at the age of 93. Patricia was born on September 30, 1923, to Robert L. and Florence Harris, in Fort Worth, Texas, but was a resident of Austin since 1928. Patricia was a proud graduate of Austin High School and attended the University of Texas prior to the beginning of World War II. In early 1942, she married her life-long family friend, Billy Hunt. They were married for 54 years before his passing in 1996.

Patricia worked for over 20 years as a secretary for the Austin Child Guidance Center. She was an avid gardener with Billy at their home on Brentwood Street. Upon retirement, she took up quilting and was an active member of the Dutch Dolls Quilting Bee until her death.

For 75 years, Patricia was a devoted member of St. David’s Episcopal Church, actively participating in many church groups, guilds, and activities. She taught Sunday School for many years and was active in bible studies and other activities such as Foyers groups. She served in Altar Guild and Daughters of the King; and was a volunteer at the Next-2-New Consignment Shop from its early years in the 1960s until just a few years ago. One of her most important personal ministries at St. David’s was providing transportation to members who were otherwise unable to get to Church on Sunday mornings. She was also very proud to have quilted the cross backdrop that hangs today in the Children’s Chapel at St. David’s.

With Billy, Patricia was active in the Ben Hur Shrine in Austin. She was a 50-year member of the Daughters of the Nile, active on various sewing committees over the years and a member of the Dancing Girls unit. Patricia most loved going to the Shrine dances with Billy. She loved to dance.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her two older brothers, and her husband, Billy. She is survived by her three children: Carole Hunt Pinkham and husband, Ken, of Kerrville, Texas; Paul Hunt and wife Sally, of Linden, Texas; and Rex Hunt and wife Elaine, of Buda, Texas. Patricia is also survived by five grandchildren: Jill Hodges and Patrick Larson, of Austin; Jesse Hodges and wife Jennifer of Austin; Robert Hunt and wife Zena, of Napa, California; Dylan Hunt and wife Anna, of Asheville, North Carolina; and Andrew Hunt and wife Vicktoria, of Kyle, Texas; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Patricia’s life was as a bridge builder; bringing her family and many, many friends together in times of joy and in times of difficulty, never tiring of being the light of Christ for everyone around her. The family would like to thank all those who have supported her the last few years, including the staffs and communities at the Atria at the Arboretum and Brookdale Northwest Hills, as well as the Brookdale Hospice team. They never tired of helping her in this transition and her family greatly appreciates that support.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the evening, on Thursday, the 20th of April 2017, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. in the morning on Friday, the 21st of April 2017, at the St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 East 8th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children (Galveston), 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550.