Patricia LouAlice Goode

Patricia L. Echols Goode passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. She loved and was loved by a wonderful community of family, friends, and neighbors who will all miss her bright, contagious smile and sweet spirit. Born on September 21, 1933, Patricia grew up in Blanchard, Oklahoma in a big house full of family. In addition to her parents and brothers, she lived with her grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. There was always someone to turn to and someone to play with; life was full of laughter. Patricia was especially close to her Aunt Fritz who treated Patricia like an adult and really cared about what she had to say. In school, Patricia was creative and popular. She excelled in academics, music, and drama, and she was especially fond of musical theater. After graduating from Blanchard High School, she attended Oklahoma College for Women. When she was scared to leave Blanchard—she’d never been far from home—Aunt Fritz told her that whenever she felt nervous or out of place, she should smile; her beautiful, contagious smile would get her through it. So Patrcia smiled constantly in those early days of school. When she met Norma Harriman, she was beaming ear to ear, and Norma would later recall finding that funny. But also, Norma made Patricia feel at ease. The two became lifelong best friends. Pat’s time at OCW was life-changing but short. She soon transferred to the University of Oklahoma (OU) where she studied speech pathology and joined the Delta Gamma Sorority. There she met John M. Goode, whom she married shortly after graduating. The couple then moved to Duncan, Oklahoma where they raised two children, Mark and Jan Marie. While John worked for Halliburton, Patricia stayed home with the children and devoted herself to motherhood. Scouting was a significant part of Pat’s life, both as a Girl Scout in her youth and then as a mom, supporting her kids’ achievements in scouting. Pat was Jan’s troop leader, and she was there for all of the work that Jan Marie put into earning her First Class Scouting Award and the many years of commitment from Mark that eventually earned him Eagle Scout status. She also served on her children’s PTA boards, decorated for countless dances, and chaperoned all sorts of school activities. It thrilled Pat to support her children in their passions—and she shared hers with them, too. Pat was talented in arts and crafts, and through selling handmade purses and keychains with Norma, she was able to fully fund a big East Coast trip where she and the kids visited Uncle Sam and saw Broadway shows in New York. It was a dream come true to watch the stage light up with her children. In 1986, Patricia started taking classes at Texas A&M in Kingsville and earned her teaching degree. She then moved to Dallas with Jan Marie and started teaching elementary school. Later, she taught special education and ESL, altogether spending 27 years in the Lewisville Independent School District. Pat was greatly admired by everyone she worked with and was honored with a Teacher of the Year award. Her kindness, patience, creativity, and positivity touched hundreds of children’s lives. An avid bridge player, Patricia always enjoyed game nights and any excuse to gather with her friends. She was very creative and an excellent storyteller. She even wrote a children’s book, Chicken Little, and had it published. Patricia traveled to most of the United States. When the kids were young, they made summer trips to Colorado with the Harrimans. Patricia also frequented Hot Springs, Arkansas with her friends and Jan Marie. One of her favorite trips was to Estes Park, Colorado with Jan Marie where she was stunned by the gorgeous mountain scenery. Pat and Jan Marie spent many summers and holidays visiting Mark in Washington D.C. where the three of them made many fond memories. When Mark was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Patricia visited him for several weeks and explored the city. It was another incredible trip, and she was very proud of Mark’s military service in the Marine Corps. Love found Patricia a second time in life. She spent 15 joyful years with John Arnold, who passed away in 2003. Patricia had many friends and loved ones. Norma and Patricia raised their children together and spent countless hours crafting and attending craft fairs. Paula and Gordon were extra special friends, too. Kathy Keeler was a teacher’s aid to Pat, and she was a big part of why Patricia loved the work. The two remained close after Pat retired. Ruby McKinney was Patricia’s caretaker in her last two years. Patricia’s family is very grateful for the companionship Ruby gave her. Patricia and Jan Marie saw countless musicals together—most memorably Pat’s favorite, Les Misérables. The Tony’s were basically a holiday for the two of them; every year, they’d either watch it together on the couch or talk about it on the phone. In the final act of her life, Pat moved in next door to Jan, and Jan lovingly cared for her mother for years. Despite the challenges, they continued taking trips together until it was no longer possible. Their relationship was filled with theater, music, beautiful places, and fond memories. And we can not forget Dougie—Patricia’s darling granddog. A Brussels griffon mix and a bundle of love, Dougie kept Pat company during the pandemic and beyond. He was a loyal protector and companion who brought so much laughter and joy to her life. When she lived in senior residences, Dougie became the house mascot. Everyone loved him, but Pat adored him. Throughout her life, Patricia’s contagious smile sparkled. She saw the best in every person and every situation, and her joy inspired others to feel more positive, too. When life made it hard to smile, Patricia’s faith gave her comfort. It is so hard to miss Patricia, but we will smile whenever we think of her—and we know she’s still smiling over all of us. Patricia is predeceased by her parents, Samuel Edgar Echols and Marion Louise Green Echols; her aunt and uncle, Fritz and Jim Williams; and her special friend, John Arnold. She is survived by her son, Mark (Jaclyn) Goode and Gemma; her daughter, Jan Marie; Nicholas; her brothers, Sam and Bob (Lacey) Echols; her nephews Colin and Grant, and their families; and her cousins, Sue, Nick, and Jim. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or World Wildlife Fund.

Patricia LouAlice Goode

September 21, 1933 - May 23, 2025