Her maiden name, McLean, was always a source of pride for her. The McLeans are one of the oldest clans in Scotland. One high point of her many trips around the world was touring the McLean Castle on the Isle of Mull, where she signed her name in the visitor’s book reserved for McLeans only.
Patty married a Methodist pastor in training for full time service and she served many churches in the North Texas Conference as choir director and soloist. She had a delightful personality that drew people to her. Her memory was razor sharp and she enjoyed telling stories of the past. She was married for 61 years to Rev. Dr. Michael Daves, who also grew up in Wichita Falls. Patty was an avid gardener who left beauty in her wake as she planted gardens and flowers at her many homes across north Texas.
Music was her life. From the time she was a child until days before she died, she had a song in her heart and on her lips. Early on she was a member of Floral Heights Methodist Church, Wichita Falls and sang anthems of praise with the choirs. Throughout her life she commended her voice coach, Caro Carapetyan, who taught at her Alma Mater, Midwestern University, in Wichita Falls and later in Dallas. Through her friend, Ann Petty, she donned costumes and played La Zia Principessa in “Soeur Angelica” and Marcellina in “The Marriage of Figaro.” She was a Charter member of the Dallas Symphony Chorus and performed many concerts with the Metroplex Opera Company. Most recently she sang with the Highland Springs Choir in Dallas.
Patty earned a Bachelor of Music (cum laude) and Master of Education degrees from Midwestern University. Additionally, she earned a Master of Library Sciences from TWU. She also claimed, with a wry smile, that she had a PHT degree from SMU—“Putting Husband Through.” She taught elementary school for four years in Dallas and 25 years in Grand Prairie. While a member of United Methodist Church of University Park, she served as President of the United Methodist Women organization.
Survivors include husband Rev. Dr. Michael Daves; children, Paul Lee Daves (Shannon), Donna Michelle Lima (Manuel); grandchildren, Joseph Lima, Dominic Maddalena (Ashley), Lexi Lima, Logan Daves; great grandchild, Nolan Maddalena; sister, Mary Jackson (Jake); nephews, Mark Jackson and Scott Jackson.
Inurnment will take place on 12/18/19 at 1:00 in Sparkman Hillcrest Mausoleum, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225. A service celebrating Patty’s life will follow at 3:00 at First United Methodist Church, 503 N. Central Expwy, Richardson, TX. Memorial contributions may be made to her favorite charity, FINCA International, or the First United Methodist Church, Richardson, TX.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18