Pat Self's Obituary
Services for Patricia "Pat" Ann Lee Self, 71, of Longview will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at First United Methodist Church of Longview under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview with Reverend Mike Schutz officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.
Pat was born in Marshall, Texas on February 23, 1940, and she passed peacefully in Christ on March 6, 2011. Pat spent her childhood in Marshall and Texarkana before moving to Longview in the 10th grade. While attending Longview High School "LHS", Pat met her high school sweetheart, David. The pair graduated from LHS in 1958, and they were married in 1962. Pat graduated with a teaching degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1962, and joined the staff of Trinity Day School as a first grade teacher.
Although Trinity Day School had been founded five years earlier, the success and reputation of the school was built on teachers like Pat. Pat taught many youngsters how to read, write, add, and subtract. Beyond the fundamentals, Pat's goal was to make a positive difference in the lives of her students. She never lost focus of that goal during her long career as a teacher, and there are many living testaments to her success. She had very fond memories of her days as a teacher, she built many lasting friendships with her colleagues, and she treasured bumping into former students and hearing of their successes in life.
Beyond the classroom, Pat impacted many lives, always reaching out to welcome newcomers, more concerned about others than herself, always seeing the good in people, and never having a harsh word or judgment of others. She was the quintessential "southern lady" and a wonderful homemaker, who could prepare some of the best "home" cooked food you will ever find. Pat was fun loving and often traveled with David to Blues Festivals. Pat enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and delighted in dancing the "North Texas Push" with David. Most of all, Pat enjoyed spending time with her family. She treasured the holiday season, and she went to great lengths to make it festive for all. Pat absolutely adored her six grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as "Nana."
Pat was preceded in death by her mother, Naomi Livingston, her fathers, Robert Lee and Edmund Livingston, and her Uncles, Weldon Pringle and Joe Pringle. Pat is survived by: her husband of over 48 years, David; her son, Eric and his wife, Kim, and their three children, Kevin, Lauren, and Allison; her son, Steven, his three children, Kayla, Laney, and Garrett, and their mother, Sonya; her brothers and sister, Bill Livingston, Nick Livingston, and Patricia Livingston Eloe; her sister-in-law, Paula Wilsdorf and her husband, Ray; her aunt, Lee Ann "Lucy" Pringle, plus many cousins, nephews and nieces, and friends.
Pat was loved by many, and she will truly be missed.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
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