Patricia Leone Byrd

PATRICIA DELORSE BYRD (Mom), passed away Wednesday morning, November 27, 2019 at her home in Huntsville, TX at the age of 76. She was born March 21, 1943 in Zwolle, Louisiana to parents, Nick and Mary Leone. Together with her husband Jerry Pitrucha II, she raised and mothered five children: Tracy Klawinski, Jerry Pitrucha III, Patrick Pitrucha, Angela Garza, and David Pitrucha. She lived to see her grandchildren grow and have children of their own, living the life of a devoted and wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She lived in the Huntsville area for much of the last half of her life, watching the world change over time. She lived the era of Big Bands, 50s Rock & Roll, Elvis, Kennedy, The “Challenger” and 9-11. She gave her heart to God, and walked in faith for more than forty years, praying and believing, fighting the good fight, and eventually answered the call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ as an ordained minister. She was preceded to that heavenly paradise by husband Jerry, grandson Steven, and daughter-in-law Donna Gail. She was further blessed in life when she met her future husband, best friend, and rocking chair companion, John W. Byrd Jr. They shared secrets, talked about God, and bickered the way that only two souls who loved each other could do. They were married April 8, 2018 in New Waverly, Texas, and there was never more faithful or truer a husband than John. Patricia stepped into this world in poverty, she walked through it with many hardships, burdens and trials; but she left this earthly realm having lived a full life, rich in blessings, rich in love, and an inspiration and beacon of faith for generations. She never took pride in her own accomplishments, but always swelled with pride for her children. She never knew envy or greed or malice, and though her temper could raise the roof, she was always quick to forgive, and quicker still to ask for forgiveness. In September of 2012 she wrote about peace, saying: “God’s peace is that which gives you quietness and assurance. It’s peace that flows as a calm river through the dry land of troubles and difficulties. Let calm and peace have the rule today, don't let the cares of this life cause you stress and frustrations rob your peace. Jesus said, ‘Abide in Me and I in you, so shall you bring forth much fruit.’ Be calm, assured, at rest. Love much, rush not. Sow in prayer, water with trust; you will bear flowers, and fruit of Joy.” Come and celebrate the life of Patricia Byrd, Monday evening 6pm to 8pm at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home at 1700 Normal Park Dr, in Huntsville. Her services will be held Tuesday morning at 10am in Oakhurst at Oakhurst Full Gospel church 451 FM 946 in Oakhurst, TX. Immediately following the service the church is providing lunch. Afterward, there will be a private family graveside service.

Patricia Leone Byrd

March 21, 1943 - November 27, 2019