Dr. Patricia Watson Turner, born in Vernon, Texas, spent most of her life between her cherished hometowns of Canton and San Antonio. Daughter of James Ray Watson and Linnie Marie Watson, Patricia is survived by her siblings Jimmy Watson and his wife Barbara, Helen Watson Segovia and her husband Johnny, sister Jean Watson, and their children and grandchildren. The love of Pat’s life, Don Turner, predeceased her, but survivors also include his son Patrick Turner and wife Denise, Mike Turner and his wife Vanessa, and daughter Donna Turner Patterson and husband Stan and their offspring.
Often called a woman of substance, for decades Pat Turner has been a fixture among leaders in San Antonio. Having acquired several degrees, including a PhD in Education, from Texas A & M-Commerce (formerly East Texas State), Pat’s entire professional career revolved around higher education. Some of those positions included student development, adult education and training, as well as community service in colleges located in San Angelo, Commerce, and Dallas.
Dr. Turner was in the vanguard of female university directors and administrators, still largely a male-dominated field in the 1970s-1990s. She served on the Governor’s Committee on the Status of Women, Texas and National Press Women, Target ’90 Chair in San Antonio, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, San Antonio Business and Professional Women Federation, and dozens of other boards and committees supporting women in business and higher education. She was also active in the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and other councils.
Always a dynamo who refused to take no for an answer, especially if the project involved Texas A & M, Pat’s professional career soared in San Antonio. She was manager of the South Central Texas Regional Training Center of the Texas A & M University System Engineering Extension Service for 16 years. She then served as the Director of Development for the Texas A & M Engineering Extension Service for 7 years. Her honors and awards for contributions in higher education could fill a page. Perhaps the dearest to her heart, however, was admission to the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame where she stayed involved and made cherished friendships.
While Pat was the consummate business woman, she also found time to serve on various charitable boards, such as the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s Chapter Boards. She served 3 years as a Humana Hospital Board of Trustees member. Pat was also faithful to Trinity Baptist Church where she accepted numerous responsibilities over the years.
Veteran leaders in the San Antonio will know Pat Turner’s name and acknowledge her commitment and benevolence toward the San Antonio community. But besides those already mentioned, Pat Turner will be forever loved and remembered by her extended family here.
Patricia Watson Turner will be interned in Canton, Texas, next to her beloved Don. Her Memorial and burial service will be held at Eubank Funeral Home, in Canton, on Saturday May 22nd starting at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart or Alzheimer Association.
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