Patricia McCanlies

Patricia Anne Smith McCanlies, 86, passed away August 3, 2023.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 am with visitation beginning at 9 am, on Saturday, August 12 at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham, TX. Burial and graveside service will be held at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston at 2:00 that afternoon.

She was born January 27, 1937 in Houston, Texas to Frederick Crocker Smith, Jr, and Carmae Massey Smith. Pat graduated from Lamar High School and from the University of Houston with a Master’s Degree in Education. She began teaching at Richmond Elementary in 1957. She was made principal at Grady Elementary, Helms Elementary and finally, Ed White Elementary. Pat served a term on the Harris County School Board. She received the Medal of Freedom Award for Education from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in 1979.  This award honors teachers and administrators who go above and beyond the call of duty for their students and America’s youth. These educators instill in their students a sense of the importance of community involvement, responsible citizenship and patriotism.

In her younger years, Pat enjoyed her bay home, where she loved to fish, water ski, and sail.  In 1987, Pat retired to her farm in Round Top Texas to pursue her hobby competing in Cutting Horse competitions, winning the 1994 NCHA Rookie of the Year. She loved her farm, ‘Hickory Stick’, her many horses, cows and assortment of dogs and cats.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her son John Michael McCanlies, Jr, daughter-in-law Laura Melchor McCanlies and granddaughter Alexandra Dayanela McCanlies.

Honorary Pallbearers include: Ronnie Zwernemann, Kenny Hague, Michael Goertz, John Goertz, Dale Wolf and Eugene Hall.

Please consider a contribution to the Acara Hospice Foundation www.HeartofAcaraFoundation.com in lieu of flowers.