Patricia Ann NELSON

1942 - 2008

*Obituary

LA MARQUE — God brought forth from the union of Rutha M. and J.C. Shannon a special light on January 10, 1942, and named her Patricia Ann Shannon. Patricia, affectionately known by her family and friends as "Pat", was a woman destined to impact the lives of all who knew her.

Raised as a God fearing Christian woman, Pat united with Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church and always served God in a variety of capacities. She received her formal education through the La Marque Independent School District and was a graduate of Lincoln High School - Class of 1959. Furthering her education, she attended Prairie View A&M. College, Prairie View Texas where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

Pat was the first African American to be hired by Monsanto plant during the 1960's and remained there for a number of years. She later taught at Ball High School, Galveston, Texas where she influenced the lives of many students as an educator in Business Administration.

Pat, being the most adventurous of her siblings, left La Marque in the early 1970's to pursue her dreams. She was united in marriage to Richard Nelson and this union was blessed with one son, Christopher Nelson. She found her place at the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency and retired after 20 years of dedicated service. During her tenure, one of her most memorable accomplishments was purchasing the land for the development of the Staple Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, where her name is etched on the West wall. While serving the city, she pursued her license in Real Estate. She served as co-founder and President of the Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Los Angeles Chapter, a professional sorority for many years and was a faithful member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by the late Rev. Dr. E.V. Hill. She served in the mission, Sunday school and the choir for over 30 years before returning home in 2003.

Upon her arrival home, she immediately went to work in the church and her community. Pat, belonged to the Clean City Commission, the NAACP Mainland Branch 6201, served in the Jr. Mission, the Sr. Choir and the Mass Choir of Rising Star and was a member of the Rutha M. Hicks Chapter 29 of the Eastern Star, named in memory of her mother. At the time of her death she was an independent real estate agent with Stepchinski Realty.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jonas C. Shannon, Jr. She is survived by her devoted son Christopher Nelson; stepdaughter Tracy Anderson (Darryl); grandsons Darryl, Jr. and Aaron; loving sister and husband, Ollie and Leonard Williams; niece Fariece Preston; great nieces Montrese and Shelbi; nephew Eric C. Shannon; god-daughters Monica Davis and Timora Green-Batarao, a host of loving relatives, long-time cherished friends, and faithful church families.

Visitation will begin at 3 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at Rising Star Baptist Church, 302 N. Oak in Texas City where a Service of Remembrance will begin at 7 p.m., with family and friends sharing reflections. A Celebration of Pat's Life will be held at 12 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2008, at Rising Star Baptist Church with Pastor D. N. Benford, Sr., officiating. Entombment will follow services at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery in Hitchcock under the direction of Mainland Funeral Home of La Marque.

Mainland Funeral Home Published June 24, 2008
The Galveston Daily News – Galveston, Texas – June 24, 2008

Mausoleum Garden;

Photo courtesy of Annette Shaw

Contributed on 4/11/21 by hawkinsdonna48
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