Patricia Henry

HENRY, PATRICIA Patricia Beach Henry, age 86 of Waco died Monday, June 16, 2003 at a local hospital. A life celebration service will be held at 11:30am Thursday, June 19 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, 6101 Bosque Blvd. with Chaplain Curtis Holland officiating. A reception will follow in the Garden Room. Visitation with the family will be from 6-8pm Wednesday, June 18 at the funeral home. Mrs. Henry was born Zita Pauline Beach on March 20, 1917 in the community of Oenaville, Texas in Bell County. She was baptized in the Catholic Church in 1917. Pat was born the first of five girls to John Edward Beach 1889-1962 and Mary Elizabeth Moeller Beach 1890-1948. She grew up in the country outside of Westphalia, Texas on a 600-acre farm her grandfather homesteaded there. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Westphalia in 1934. She took courses in nursing from 1936-38. She practiced nursing for several years as an industrial nurse at the National Gypsum Ordinance Plant in McGregor from 1940-43 and then as a private duty nurse in Marlin and Waco. Pat met Harold Henry in 1942 and they were married on July 18, 1943. Harold practiced law in Waco from 1939-1968 when he retired. The couple owned and ran the Brazos Fish Market from 1953-1962. This landmark on the east side of the square in Waco was destroyed by the 1953 tornado, but the Market was rebuilt in its original location and remained open until 1962. She learned to drive in 1953, taking driver’s education in order to get to the market early to receive the many trucks bringing in fresh fish from the coast. Pat began working for Henry Heyman and J. K. Bauer, owners of H&B Packing in 1962 at the age of 45 and worked for H&B for 33 years. She was well-loved by her customers during her tenure there and was affectionately known by all the workers as “Mrs. H”. When she retired from H&B in 1995 at age of 78, she was presented with 33 red roses for her years of service which she treasured greatly. The entire staff of H&B was always in her thoughts and a part of her extended family. In between all of the work, she managed to raise three daughters, and was the matriarch of a happy family. She loved to paint, cook, garden and care for her family. She was known for her baking and holiday meals, which the entire family gathered for year after year. Pat grew up working hard on a farm and taught that work ethic to her family. She prided herself in her accomplishments both in family and in work. She was a member of Eastern Star, Waco Gem & Mineral Club and McLennan County Bar Association Auxiliary. Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Henry in 1970 and two sisters, Lucille Frazier of San Antonio and Helen Tobias of Marlin. She will be missed every day by her daughters, Marcile Burk and husband Ben Burk of Blum, Ann Schwettmann of Waco, and Patsy Henry and Coyle Buhler of Lockhart; grandchildren, Greg Burk of San Antonio, Janet Burk of Blum, Andrea Haynes of Farmers Branch and Elizabeth Schwettmann of Waco; great grandson, Mason E. Haynes; and sisters, Elizabeth Seawright and Mildred Frazier both of Waco. There is a large extended family of in-laws as well as many friends that she always thought of and opened her home to as family. Honorary pallbearers are Ben Burk, Coyle Buhler, Earl Schwettmann, Greg Burk, Roger Haynes, Benjamin Strot, Kevin Cockerham, Ricky Bauer, David Bauer and Benjy Bauer. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Waco chapters of the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association or another charity of your preference. The family invites you to leave a message or memory by signing the “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY