Patricia Earlene Perkins Ainsworth was born on Aug. 18, 1940, in Monahans, Texas.
She stepped into the waiting arms of her loving Lord and Savior on Jan. 9, 2021, in Plano, Texas.
She was born to Luther and Lela Perkins who have preceded her in death. Her brother, James Perkins also preceded her in death.
She met and married Marion Ainsworth, when she attended East Texas State College (now Texas A&M-Commerce). They were married for 52 years and raised three daughters, Treva LaJaunie, Tricia Chalaire and Laci Northam.
Marion preceded her in death on Nov. 28, 2014.
Pat was a teacher at Cooper ISD for over 50 years where she touched the lives of so many children. She could teach anyone to read. People would often ask her when she was going to retire, to which she would respond âWhen Iâm not making a difference anymore.â This must be why she never retired, she always made a difference.
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James William Gee isn’t around to feel the heat, but it has been coming his way in recent months.
Texas A&M University-Commerce, an institution he used to lead as president when it was known as East Texas State University, has changed the name of its library and a lake on campus. Both places had Gee’s name on them. They’re now going to carry the names of two African-American students who played key roles in the desegregation of the university.
You see, Gee didn’t like the idea of desegregating the school he led. He fought efforts to desegregate the university. Gee’s resistance to desegregation drew plenty of criticism in real time … from real politicians who held positions of high authority.