Patricia Jan Foster Watson, affectionately known as Pat, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at the age of 75, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 28, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, Pat was the daughter of the late Wanza Gallender Foster Jackson and Sidney Wayne Foster. A proud graduate of Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas, class of 1967. Pat married a high school classmate, Lynn Watson in 1968. Pat and Lynn welcomed two daughters into the world, Danissa Lynn (born in 1969) and Wendy Gayle (born in 1976). Unwavering love for family was the foundation of Pat’s life, instilling lessons in determination and perseverance. Pat pursued a career in cosmetology, a field she was passionate about throughout her life. Alongside her work as a stylist, Pat developed an insatiable love for reading and teaching. After her daughters were older, she returned to college at the University of Texas at Arlington, earning a Bachelor’s in English and a teaching certification. She later went on to earn a Master’s in Reading from Texas Women’s University. For more than 25 years, Pat taught English in the Arlington Independent School District, with the majority of her career spent at her alma mater, Sam Houston High School. She also continued her dedication to education by teaching ESL to adults in the community, a role she held until her passing. Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Sidney Wayne Foster Jr. and Steven Collins Foster. She is survived by her daughters, Danissa Jones and Wendy Watson (Cody Delmere); her sister, Nancy Gail Reeves (Lloyd); her brother, Jeffrey Jackson (Gina); and her beloved grandchildren, Kayla Morgan (Blake), Mason Jones (Thomas), Austin Mahan, Aubree Kuhns, and Macoy Jones. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Ledger, Emory, and Emmalyn Morgan. Pat’s legacy extends far beyond her immediate family to a wide circle of friends, students, and extended family who were touched by her kindness, generosity, and vibrant spirit. Her presence and influence made a lasting impact on all who knew her. As William Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.” Pat played many roles in her lifetime—mother, Nonnie, sister, teacher, beautician, and friend—with grace and love. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of Pat’s life will be held on February 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Arlington Elk’s Lodge (601 W. Pioneer Parkway). As per her wishes, guests are encouraged to wear colorful clothing, with red being her favorite. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Pat’s memory to the Sam Houston High School Alumni Association, where a scholarship will be established in her name. Donations can be made online at shhstexans.org (please type “Pat Watson” under the Additional Information section) or mailed to: SHHS Alumni Association PO Box 152742 Arlington, TX 76015 Pat’s daughters would like to express their deepest gratitude for the love and support they’ve received during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
4 Responses
They say when You Love with Your eyes it’s Goodbye but when You Love with all Your Heart ♥ and Soul they are still nearby. To my friend Danissa…..
Pat was my colleague, my mentor, my sounding board, my hairdresser, and my friend – when I really needed one. Words cannot express the impact she had on my life nor how much I miss her.
What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived , she was obviously a loyal servant . Sending my sympathy to you , Danissa and your family .
I’m so sorry to hear of Pat passing. She was such a talented lady. She was smart, could cook, decorate and a great storyteller and teacher. I know that heaven have a special place for her. No one ever teaches us how to live with out our mothers, even though we must move forward. This is just so long for now. Until we meet again.