Patricia Kerlin Peeples

Patricia Kerlin Peeples was born August 19, 1930 to Orie Milton Kerlin and Lillian Bosley Kerlin in Homer, Louisiana where she grew up in a small town environment with loving family and friends. After graduation from Homer High School, Patricia entered college life at Louisiana State University where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. She graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and an engagement to be married to her best friend and love of her life, Eugene M. Peeples, III.

Patricia and Gene were married on June 14, 1952 in Homer, whereupon a lifetime adventure began with her role as army wife at Fort Knox, Kentucky. This was followed by graduate school and Gene's employment with Humble Oil & Refining Company, then an odyssey of oil patch moves including Wichita Falls, Abilene, Sweetwater, Amarillo, Kingsville and finally Corpus Christi, TX, their home for 17 years.

Along the way, Patricia raised two sons, Clayton Kerlin "Clay" Peeples and Eugene M. "Gene" Peeples, IV. In addition to being an all-in wife and mother at home, she made time for the Junior League, singing in church choirs and participated in all manner of the boys' activities including Cub Scout den mother, Little League team mom, PTA committees and number one fan at enumerable athletic and other events.

As the boys grew older and were out of the house much of the day, Patricia enjoyed substitute teaching, which led to a two year "temporary" assignment teaching Senior English Literature. She later launched a career in residential real estate, which continued after a move from Corpus Christi to Houston in 1982 and lasted for nearly 30 years. In Houston, Nana and Big Gene were again fixtures in the stands at baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and other activities for their six grandchildren, as well.

Her strong and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior was the hallmark of her being, and was expressed in her everyday life and through involvement in bible study with a close-knit Covenant Group, Stephen Ministries and Faith Alive. The joy she found in music and singing continued as an active member of the Church of St. John the Divine choir and performing with the Musical Therapy group of the Junior League.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, June Philpott and Martha Burke. In the words of one of her favorite hymns, "Count Your Blessings", Patricia loved "each and every one" of her "blessings"; in addition to her husband of 63 years, Gene, she is survived by sons Clay (Kay) Peeples and Gene (Suzy) Peeples, grandchildren William (Ellen), Andrew (Juli), Preston, Clayton, Paige and Adair Peeples and great grandchildren Holland and James. Counted with all her blessings are her nieces and nephews, whom she dearly loved. Everyone will remember her outlook on life expressed in another of her favorite songs, "All Things Bright and Beautiful". Thanks be to God!

Patricia graduated from this life on Sunday, June 7, 2015 surrounded by family. The family extends their thanks to the outstanding healthcare staff at Treemont Retirement Community.

Friends are cordially invited to gather and share remembrances with the family on Friday, June 12, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the grand foyer of Geo. H Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be held in joyful celebration of Patricia's life at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 13, in the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd., where the Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Richnow is to officiate. (Bright colors are welcome)

In lieu of customary remembrances, Memorial contributions in Patricia's name may be directed to the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX, 77019; or to the charity of one's choice.