Patricia Sue DeFord, the youngest of three siblings, was born to Joseph Burton Patton and Lizzie Pearl Patton on June 18, 1948. Patricia grew up in Dallas and married her one and only love, Sammy Lynn DeFord, on August 26, 1966. Patricia and Sammy made their home in Mesquite, where she raised her three children and opened her heart and home to countless other children in the neighborhood. She never refused anyone who needed help, love, a hot meal, or just a soft place to land. Gentleness, compassion, and generosity came so naturally to her, and all who met her were influenced and blessed by her.
After Sammy’s passing in 1998, Patricia lived as a widow in their home until just before this last Christmas when she finally let her children come get her and take care of her for a while. She was determined to never be a burden to her children, and she loved her home, her neighborhood, her friends, and her bingo that was in close proximity to her house. She was so generous, so giving, that the bingo hall hung a sign behind her regular chair that read “No Asking or Borrowing Money.” She lent her money anyway, giving to anyone who asked, always willing to share whatever she had, even if she never won a dime. That is who she was.
How does one describe in a few paragraphs a life so graciously lived, a heart so beautifully open? She was not perfect, but she was perfect for us.
God called Patricia home on January 17, 2022, at 12:18 p.m., with her family around her. She will be greatly missed by the many lives that she touched during her 73 years. She is survived by her three children, Stephen, Ron, and Sandra; her daughters-in-law, Brandie and Kristi; her son-in-law, Stephen Kam; her sister, Barbara Payne; her grandchildren, Tiffany, Jessica, Christopher, Matthew, Kristyn, Ryan, Megan, Brooke, Jordan, and Samantha; her great-grandchildren, Trey, Jasmine, Kimberly, Kaylani, Kasen, Harper, and Grayson; several nieces, including Gwen Parker and Pamela Snow, several nephews and dozens of great-nieces and great-nephews.
It is impossible to list every individual she cared for during her life, but we would like to include a few names here: John Larsen, David Wylie, David Elkins, Kevin Goodson, David Dobson, Kevin Burch, Valorie Dozier, David Lorton, Gordon Griffin, Jason B., James G., James B., Joe T., Troy B., Shelley, Diane, Chandler, James L., Dwayne C., Joseph R., Pam A. Suzie, Edgar, Jasmine (her sweet neighbor), Dave, Alfred, Kim… and the list goes on.
Mama, your work here is done. We know you are dancing in heaven with Jesus, reunited with Daddy, Ma, and the rest of your family who put their trust in our precious Savior. You will be greatly missed by us all, and we will carry you in our hearts until we too are called home and we see you again.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersonclaytongonzalez.com for the DeFord family.
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