Patsy Alexius

Patsy was born in Overton, Texas on August 8, 1941 to Lawrence and Elizabeth Willingham. She graduated from Overton High School and received a BBA and M.Ed. from Steven F. Austin. Patsy was a dedicated public educator and served as a school counselor for over 35 years. She served in Galena Park, Archer City, Windthorst and in Austin ISD at Porter and Bedicheck Jr. Highs, Bowie High School and other schools across the district. She was intensely devoted to her students and had a positive effect on many lives. She was equally devoted to her profession, serving as an officer in the Texas School Counselors Association and was instrumental in obtaining passage of the Professional Counselor’s Licensure legislation. In honor of this accomplishment she was awarded license number 2 (number 1 going to her friend and colleague Bonnie Pierson). Patsy received many honors and accolades for her work to improve her profession and the lives of children.

Patsy was an amazing wife, mother, friend and grandmother. As the grandchildren got older, their beloved “MeMaw” loved taking them on trips and delighted in hearing what each of her “precious angels” learned and did each day. She and her husband, Bob, enjoyed 36 years of a happy and active life together. They enjoyed camping, cruises, trips to music festivals and travelling in general. She probed, motivated and gave Bob confidence to do things he never would have done on his own. As he often told people, Patsy was the wind beneath his wings.

Patsy is survived by her husband, Robert Alexius, her children Beth Phillips Noles of Irving and her husband Don, and son State Representative Larry Phillips of Sherman and wife Robin; her brother Larry Willingham and wife Delilah of Dallas, sister Mary Partlow of Liberty; step-sons Britt and Marty Alexius of Austin; and step-daughters Erin Davis and husband Bob and Anna Maupin and husband Kurt all of Waco; grandchildren Sidney and wife Rachel, Henry, and Meribeth Phillips, Cole Maupin, and Alexus and Spencer Davis.

Visitation will be at Cook Walden funeral home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd. from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 4. Funeral services will be at St James Episcopal Church, 1941 Webberville Road at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 5. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.