Trying to sum up the life of Patricia Morales in a few paragraphs is a near impossible task. Her depths of love, compassion and generosity were boundless, and are best measured in the smiling faces of those she left in her path. In her presence, the term “stranger” only lasted about 10 seconds because she dove right in -- offering an opinion, helping someone in need or just making a new friend. Her profession was that of a schoolteacher, but she was so much more in so many ways. For the students she taught for over two decades, she imparted a wisdom and character far beyond the curriculum, and instilled the values of courage, conviction and compassion. Her enduring legacy lives in the people whose minds have been shaped by her lessons and whose hearts have been touched by her love.
Patricia had a zest for life that made her a beacon to which others were drawn. When there was work to be done, she was in the middle of it. When there was a crisis that demanded attention, she was at the heart of it. And, of course, when it was time to celebrate, she was always ready to get the party started! Born in San Antonio, the fourth child to a firefighter and his homemaker wife, Patricia was nurtured in a loving home and learned a sense of duty and purpose. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1976 and the University of Texas - San Antonio in 1982, Patricia began a hospitality career working in San Antonio-area hotels. It was there – literally behind the Alamo – that she met Odis Brown, the man who would change her life and eventually become her husband. A few years later, she moved to California and, after being joined by OB, developed a robust network of friends and colleagues that solidified her place on the West Coast.
Patricia and OB eventually made their way to Hermosa Beach, the South Bay community that provided the perfect eclectic environment for their relationship to flourish. They continued to expand their sphere of friends, to the point that it was impossible to walk a few steps in Hermosa Beach without encountering someone they knew. After settling into their new community, Patricia changed career paths, eventually finding her calling as an elementary school teacher, and she taught with passion and conviction for over two decades. Her dedication to the education of young, at-risk students was a testament to her generous and loving nature. In the Los Angeles public school system, Patricia taught at several different campuses including Hoover Elementary, Lizarraga Elementary and Sally Ride Elementary. Her colleagues recall fondly her enthusiasm and spirit, fully immersing herself into the campus community.
Patricia will always be remembered for her indefatigable spirit, her pursuit of social justice, and of course, her infectious laughter and enthusiasm when doing what she enjoyed – especially when watching her beloved Spurs. Her passion for the Spurs was legendary and the mere fact that she lived in California and not Texas did not keep her from proudly showing her colors and cheering them on. She was most at home surrounded by friends and family watching them march to victory, always ending her conversations with Go Spurs Go!
Patricia is preceded in death by her parents Fernando and Theresa Morales, mother-in-law Lestene Brown, father-in-law Odis Brown, and sister-in law Gloria Nelson. She is survived by her husband of 21 years Odis Brown III; sisters Nancy Wagner and husband Tony of Boerne, Texas; Elizabeth Quintela and husband Abel of Odessa, Texas; Diana Jordan of San Antonio, Texas; Theresa Schulz and husband John of New Braunfels, Texas; brothers Peter Morales and wife Kim of Bastrop, Texas; Fernando Morales and wife Dana of Spring, Texas; half sister Norma Mouton and husband Jay of Camano Island, Washington; sister-in-law JoAnn McCauley; brothers-in-law Willie Nelson; Curtiss Brown and wife Jacqueline; and Glenn Brown and wife Patricia, all of San Antonio, Texas; aunt Aurora Schoggins of San Antonio, Texas; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 20 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge Redondo Beach, 315 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, California, 90277. Due to restrictions on receiving flowers at the venue, memorial contributions may be made to Sally Ride Elementary in the form of monetary donations or school supplies. School supply donations may be made at the memorial service.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 600 Oblate Dr., San Antonio, Texas, 78216. A reception will follow in the parish hall with a light lunch. Friends and family are encouraged to share fellowship and remembrances of Patricia.