Patricia Carolyn Devereaux, born August 27, 1943, in Queens NY, to her parents John Rice and Bernice Anderson Rice, passed away peacefully at her home in Corinth, TX on July 15, 2024.  Patricia ("Pat") was surrounded by the love and adoration of her husband, Edward, of 58 years of marriage and her three children, Drew Devereaux of Victor, NY, Melissa Beasley of North Richland Hills, TX and Tay Darkoch of Coppell, TX.


Pat's inherent intellectual curiosity and thirst for learning made her an accomplished educator and admired source of knowledge. Her interest in education began by pursuing her undergraduate degree at the College of New Rochelle, in New Rochelle, NY.  After meeting the love of her life and deciding to get married, Pat devoted her life to raising her children; later relocating her family from Sayville, NY to Argyle, TX where she would go on to complete both her undergraduate degree in Government and Master's degree in Constitutional Law at Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX.

Pat's time as a student at the university transitioned into a career as a Senior Lecturer Emerita when she was asked to join the staff in the History and Government department.  As an educator, Pat was described as an "amazing teacher, passionate about her job, genuinely caring, and loved by all students."  Pat's students became her "adopted" children and you could often find her on campus lending a listening ear and providing words of encouragement to any student who sought her advice. As an Academic Advisor and Internship Program Advisor, she dedicated time and attention to the development of others and helping them find their path to success. Pat was honored with many professional accolades, but her most valued achievements were those awarded as a result of student recognition, which she regularly received by being selected as "Favorite Faculty" from various student organizations.

Pat was a compassionate and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who dedicated her life to making everyone in her family feel special and unique.  She invested her time and energy to attend every practice, recital, and graduation ceremony, always as the loudest cheerleader and providing supportive hugs cherished by all.  Pat enjoyed traveling the world, playing golf with her friends at Oakmont Country Club, watching the New York Giants, reading books on the beach, and listening to Yacht Rock radio.  She especially loved spending time with her family and lifelong friends on the North Fork of Long Island watching the sailboats.

Pat demonstrated a true interest in everyone she met and was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Ed, her sister Joan Smith of Denton, TX, her three children Drew (Stefanie) Devereaux of Victor, NY, her daughter Melissa Beasley (Stephen) of North Richland Hills, TX and daughter Tay (Mike) Darkoch of Coppell, TX; by her grandchildren Max and Glyn Devereaux, Stephen, Joshua, Candace, Hope, and Manley Beasley, Aidan and Brittan Hutchison, her ten great grandchildren, as well as her numerous beloved nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, lifelong friends and neighbors.

Pat's family will be planning a memorial celebration in her honor in Texas and New York, where she will be returned to one of her favorite places on the coast of Long Island to enjoy in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations to be made to one of Pat's favorite charities, St Jude Children Research Hospital .