Patsy Jo Harris

Patsy Jo Martin Harris, 91, of Robertson County, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Patsy entered the world on July 7, 1933, in Floresville, Texas, as the fourth of five children born to Loyd Franklin Martin and Blossom Mary Goff Martin. The Martin family, originally from Kenedy, moved from Floresville to San Marcos when Patsy was four years old, and her father became the manager of United Gas in San Marcos. Patsy grew up in San Marcos surrounded by a family whom she describes as one that knows how to love, share life, and care for one another. She graduated from San Marcos High School and attended college at what is now known as Texas State University. In addition to her large family, whom she adored, Patsy had many friends. She developed many close lifelong friendships, including with a group of ladies who called themselves the seven ‘Doodies’ throughout their high school years to their years late in life. She treasured the time she spent with them each year, laughing about the silly things they did as kids and throughout their lives.

Patsy met her husband of 67 years while she worked at Edward Gary Air Force Base, where he was stationed, in San Marcos. Patsy married Howard Taylor Harris, of Colony, Kansas, on March 31, 1956 and began her life as an officer’s wife, supporting his military service to his country as an Air Force pilot. During this time, they traveled to different locations such as Stillwater (Oklahoma), Wiesbaden (Germany), Dayton (Ohio), Los Angeles (California) and Tampa (Florida)’. In 1967, when Howard went to DaNang AFB (South Vietnam) to serve as a bomber and fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, Patsy lived in San Marcos with their three daughters, so that they could be near her parents. When he returned from Vietnam, he accepted an assignment with the Royal Air Force, London (England), where they lived for three years. While living in England, Patsy learned how to create and mount brass rubbings from churches throughout England, attended the Queens Garden Party, and traveled throughout Europe with her family. When they moved from England, Howard’s military career took them back to Ohio and then to Eglin AFB (Florida), where he retired in 1975.

Upon retirement, Howard and Patsy moved their family back to Texas and settled in the Bryan-College Station area, near Patsy’s sister, Peggy, and her family, and where the Martin family had moved their aging parents from San Marcos. Patsy and Howard earned their real estate and broker licenses. Then Patsy went to work for the Texas A&M Athletic Department as a Travel Clerk for all athletic coaches. They settled onto a farm near the Brazos River, where they raised livestock. Eventually, Howard, Patsy, and Cindy moved back into town, to enjoy their hobbies of golfing, bowling, and traveling. When Patsy retired from Texas A&M in 1995, she joined a ladies golf league, golfing in tournaments until she was 83 years old. Patsy was a member of First United Methodist Church in Bryan and was actively involved in the Emmaus Community.

Patsy is remembered as a loving, gracious, and generous mom, granny, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. She was a loyal and devoted wife for 67 years. Patsy respected Howard’s sacrifices for his country and served as an Officer’s wife who emulated the character and strength that was required in her role. Her family was her world, and she always sought ways to take care of them. She spent hours sewing clothes for the girls, cooking, cleaning, and finding ways to spend time having fun as a family. Whether it was fishing, boating, and camping in their little camper or traveling to another country with three little ones in tow, she managed to keep up with everyone and always enjoy the time. Even when Patsy and Howard moved in with Diana and Ronny after the COVID scare in 2020, she would constantly seek ways to help around the house, asking if she could help with the cooking, cleaning, feeding the animals, and doing laundry.

Patsy loves her daughters and their families, Diana Lee Werner and husband Ronny, Cynthia Sue Harris, and Melinda Marie Montgomery and husband Bill. She cherished her grandchildren Crystal Diane Siegert and husband Chris, William Taylor Breihan, Bradley Wayne Hudson and wife Shayann, Sarah Werner Korpita, Rachel Werner Jones and husband Chris, Erin Werner Watt, Hannah Werner, Lauren Montgomery, and Lindsey Montgomery Bogard and husband Randy and her thirteen great-grandchildren. Patsy treasured the 92nd Martin Family Reunion this year, being able to see cousins, nieces, and nephews. Most recently, Patsy was able to spend more time with her sister, Peggy Cooper, knowing they were the only two left in their family. We would like to thank mom’s caregiver, Annie for pushing the limits and encouraging mom to leave the house to go out to eat, have her hair and nails done, visit her sister, go to the zoo, and tour A&M. Annie took Patsy and Peggy out together. Annie was an advocate for mom and dad when it was needed and supported the entire family through difficult times.

Patsy is preceded in death by her husband, Howard T Harris, with whom she has looked forward to joining in heaven since his passing on Veterans’ Day 2023. She will also be greeted in heaven by her parents, Blossom and Loyd Martin, and siblings Pepper Everett and her husband Gene, Loyd Martin, Jr. and his wife Norma Jean, Roy Martin and his wife Alleene, brother-in-law Edwin H. Cooper, and great-grandson Eli Korpita. Also, Patsy will join Howard’s parents in heaven, Stanley and Marie Harris, as well as his siblings, Wayne Harris and his wife Bettye, Sam Harris and his wife Evelyn, Alice Upshaw and her husband Howard, and Margaret Lee Thomas and her husband Tommy.

In memory of Patsy Jo Martin Harris, contributions can be made to one of her favorite charities in lieu of flowers. Please consider donating to the:

*Alzheimer’s Assoc, https://www.alz.org/get-involvednow/otherwaystogive or Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950

*Texas Children’s Hospital, https://www.texaschildrens.org or Texas Children’s Hospital Office of Philanthropy, Ste. 6226 P.O. Box 300630, Houston, TX 77230-0630

*Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Our family would like to thank Enhabit Hospice for the loving care they provided mom. When her nurse, Deb, entered the room, even during mom’s last days, she immediately alerted to her voice and wanted to hold her hand. Thank you to mom’s bathers, social workers, and nurses who came each day to check in. We appreciated the doctor visits from Dr. Parsi, the clergy visits from Brent Sims, and Nurse Andrea coming to help in her last moments.

Patsy Jo Martin Harris will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her dedication to her country, her love for her family, her loyalty to her friends, and her unwavering faith will always be remembered and cherished.