Pamela Jean Patton

Pamela Jean Thrailkill Patton went to her eternal home April 23, 2022, after a valiant 2 1/2 year battle with cancer. Pam was born in Orange County, California on January 3, 1958 to Donald and Betty Wolford Thrailkill. Pam was an incredibly loving daughter and friend, but her greatest and proudest title was that of mother to her son Blake and then later the title of "Omi" to her grandchildren. She was also the most amazing mother-in-law in the world.

Pam was an outgoing and social soul who never met a stranger. She always made anyone she met feel special. After growing up in California, Alabama and Arkansas, Pam moved to San Antonio where she graduated from John Marshall High School. While in high school, she was an all-city cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. She continued cheering in college at Texas Tech University and was a National Cheerleaders Association Instructor. When she transferred to Texas A&M, she was the 1979 Cotton Princess and met her future husband the late COL (R) Scott Patton. After marrying, they moved to Seattle, Washington where Pam finished her degree in elementary education at the University of Puget Sound. While there, she was the cheerleader advisor and coach.

As a military wife, Pam taught English to soldiers at Ft. Lewis Washington. She hosted several military events and led committees while living in Alabama, Washington, Texas, and Germany. During her time in Washington and Germany, she served as the company and battalion commanders spouse in supporting military families. Pam taught elementary school for several years to different grades, but her heart lay with special education. This had to do with her experience and being an advocate for her own son Blake. She received many accolades including Teacher of the Year. Pam had the heart of a servant. She was an active Sunday School teacher, Youth Group Leader, PTA member, serving as President, Secretary and Representative to the European Council. She was active in the SFASU Womens Club (President), Nacogdoches Federation of Womens Club (Vice President), and more recently the San Antonio Womans Club. She served as a docent for the Institute of Texan Cultures, volunteered with the American Red Cross, Relay for Life, San Antonio Fiesta Especial, Special Olympics, among so many other organizations.

Pam was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Wolford Thrailkill and is survived by her father, Don Thrailkill of Carrollton, TX; son, Blake and daughter-in-law Hilary; and beloved grandchildren, Paige, Marshall and Joy of San Antonio, TX; as well as close family friends, Sen. Glenn Kothmann and Dr. Cathy Spadacinni of San Antonio, TX.

We ask attendees to wear bright colors in honor of Pam and a flower in your hair. Pam was passionate about Juvenile Diabetes caring for Blake since his diagnosis at age 4. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.