Patricia Anne Bates Florey was born April 15, 1951 in Waco Texas to Travis and Anna Belle Wilson Bates. She was the adored youngest of five children born to this union. She died of cancer at home surrounded by loved ones on March 3, 2024.
Patti was born into a family of very modestmeans. Watchingherparents struggle to make a living for their family, she developed a deep work ethic that she carried the rest of her life. Patti’s education began in the La Vega School system where she fell in love with learning. Through her own efforts she managed to complete her higher education at Kilgore College and Stephen F. Austin State University. There she majored in Sociology, and Social Work and Rehabilitation. She graduated with the highest honors of Summa Cum Laude.
She began her career as a social worker and counselor at Rusk and Terrell State Hospitals as well as an educational consultant for the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. She moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1977 to work in an Outreach Clinic of Terrell State Hospital. In 1980, Patti began work at Region VIII Education Service Center where she served as a liaison between school districts and the Texas Education Agency, assisting with campus planning, staff development, and compliance issues. She was recognized in 2001 as the Field Service Agent Employee of the Year. She was honored for the outstanding job she did for the center and for her untiring efforts in coordinating regional and statewide conferences for school boards and administrators.
A fortuitous call to Key-Lewellen Real Estate led Patti to meet the love of her life, Edward Florey, when he volunteered to hook up her space heater. A first date to the hot link stand led to a 43 year long marriage. She immediately embraced motherhood and family life with sons, Jeff and Chuck. Helping raise her boys was one of her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments! Later she wholeheartedly embraced her role as Mimi to grandchildren, Audra and Lakes. Patti was known as a great cook, gracious hostess, and an elegant woman. She loved creating special holiday experiences for her family. As a longtime member of St. Andrew Methodist Church, she enjoyed singing in the choir. She also worked tirelessly in the service of others, organizing, and preparing bereavement meals, working on the Living Last Supper program, andservingontheChurchBoard. Pattiwas active in the Twentieth Century Club where she held many offices. In later years, she began a hobby that became a ministry making one-of-a-kind greeting cards that are treasured by those fortunate to receive them.
Patricia Florey was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Lanelle Allen; her brothers, Leon Bates, Jr. and Fred Allen Bates; parents-in-law, Tull Jr. and Theresa Florey; brother-in-law, Tully Florey III; nephews, Joe Bates and Bill McAllister; and niece, Tammy Bates.
Mrs. Florey is survived by her husband, Edward Florey; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Kristin Florey and Chuck and Sheri Florey; granddaughter, Audra Florey;andgrandson,LakesFlorey. Sheisalsosurvived by her sister, Brenda McAllister; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stuart and Anne Florey; and sisterin- law, Beverly Florey Kelley; nieces, Terry Wohlfahrt (Ronnie), Jean Cook, Jill Fender, Anna Florey, Victoria Florey; and nephews Jeff Bates, Lance McAllister (Melissa), and Tull Florey IV ( Julia).
Services for Patricia Florey will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at St. Andrew Methodist Church. There will be a visitation from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at St. Andrew. An online registry is available at batescoopersloanfuneralhome.com