Patricia "Pat" Jean Braden

Patricia Jean Walbrick Braden was born on January 12, 1936 to W. J. “Buster” and Grace Walbrick in Wichita Falls, Texas. She passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 28, 2022, at The Reserve in Pasadena, Texas.

Growing up in Wichita Falls, she attended Wichita Falls High School. Pat was a proud Coyote. She played the clarinet in the marching band and served as majorette. Pat attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, becoming the first in her family and extended family to earn a college degree. Following her graduation, she moved to Pasadena, attracted to the school district that at the time boasted the highest teacher salaries in the state.

Pat moved to Pasadena in 1958 where she began teaching math at Jackson Junior High. A year later, she met the love of her life, Frank Braden Jr. The two married in 1960 at First Baptist Church in Wichita Falls. Together, they attended South Main Baptist in Pasadena for over 60 years taking on many leadership roles. They served as Sunday School directors for more than 50 years working with 10th graders, Young Married Adults and 6th graders. At South Main, Pat held leadership roles for the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and the Hospitality Committee; she also served on Building Committees.

As a professional educator, Pat began her career at Jackson but had to “retire” after six years when she and Frank started their family. She stayed at home to raise her girls, Jean and Lisa, for 13 years. In 1977, Pat went back to work again teaching junior high math at Park View Intermediate School where she served for 15 more years. Pat and Frank retired from PISD in 1992 and went on to share 28 wonderful years together. While in retirement, they continued to take on leadership roles within the community. Pat served as president of PARSE (Pasadena Area Retired School Employees) and led fundraising and scholarship efforts for the Tillman White Scholarship Committee.

Family was Pat’s top priority. She and Frank celebrated 60 years of marriage in August of 2020 just 6 weeks before Frank passed away. During those 60 years, they raised two daughters, Jean and Lisa and welcomed sons-in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As their family continued to grow, Pat coordinated regular opportunities for family to gather at their home in Pasadena as well as their lake house on Lake Conroe. These gatherings always included extended family members, meals, games, and televised sporting events.

Additionally, Pat and Frank were active in the community. Pat loved to play Bridge participating in several groups over the years making many special friends. She also was a member of the Park View Estates Garden Club and served as a Bluebird and Campfire Girls leader for many years. Pat and Frank were HOST volunteers with PISD for more than 25 years.

Pat is survived by daughters Jean Cain and husband, Dan, Lisa Davis and husband, Scott, grandchildren Braden Cain and wife, Hanna, Austin Lyles, Claire Forrer and husband, Will, Luke Lyles and great grandchildren Kynlee, Graham and Hattie Forrer, brother, Dr. Johnny Walbrick and wife, Elaine, sister, Judy Varnell and niece, Sandy Addkison and husband, Jimmy along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Buster and Grace Walbrick, her sister, Nancy Howard, and her beloved husband, Frank Braden.

A ”Celebration of Life” will be held for Pat on Saturday, September 3rd, at South Main Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas. A visitation will be held starting at 10:00 AM prior to the service at 11:00 AM. Flowers should be delivered to the church. For those wishing to make donations, please direct them to South Main Baptist Church or the Tillman White Scholarship Fund.