PATRICIA ANN LANIER KIRK Sept. 5, 1933 – Nov. 6, 2024
Sunrise: September 5, 1933; Sunset: November 6, 2024. Patricia Ann Lanier was born in Decatur, Alabama to Charner and Pearl Lanier. Born with a heart for adventure and a keen intelligence, she grew up in Savannah, Tennessee with her dear sister, Bettye.
In 1953, Pat married Lt. William L. Kirk (USAF), and they lived in many different cities before settling in Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Pat had a variety of careers, and owned several businesses, including Kachina Preschool and Aspen Realty. Never one to sit and rest, Pat also led multiple philanthropies, including Casa Esperanza in Santa Fe, New Mexico and working as a Child Court Advocate for children in foster care and as a member of the Foster Care Review Board in Arizona.
Pat loved her Lord, her family, her pets, and traveling. Her dogs Bambi, Ling, and Ginger held a special place in her heart.
After raising their family in Los Alamos, Bill and Pat retired and spent two years crisscrossing the country in their 5th wheel trailer. They settled in Green Valley, Arizona, where Pat felt God’s calling and began attending seminary.
In the year 2000 she was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Church, a role which she continued until the time of her death. As a pastor, she worked tirelessly to serve her church and touched the lives of many people through her ministry.
An avid player of duplicate bridge, Pat attained the rank of Life Master—an accomplishment of which she was very proud.
She made her final home in Deer Park, Texas, where she continued to play bridge and make friends daily.
She is survived by her sister, Bettye Stanley, her children Alan and Pat Kirk, Kathy and Jim Nelsen, and Lisa and Robert Meyer, her grandchildren, Susan, Kate, Alex, Erin and Danica, and her 5 great-grandsons, Blake, Isaac, Kai, Bodie, and Conner.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband Bill.
A memorial service is planned for 2:00 PM on December 7, 2024 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in La Porte, Texas. Internment at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ASPCA.