Patricia Reiley Clifton

Patricia Reiley Clifton May 4, 1921 - March 15, 2013 Patricia Reiley Clifton of Waco passed away peacefully Friday, March 15, 2013, at her residence. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 19, at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Charles Packard officiating. Visitation will be from 5-6 p.m., Monday, March 18, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. Pat was born in Philadelphia, PA to James McKendree Reiley and Marion Townsend Reiley. Known as Patsy to her family and friends there, she received her early education in Lower Merion, PA. She majored in English and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where in 1939 she met Lacy Clifton when her cousin dated his roommate. In 1940, she first came to Texas to celebrate Christmas with the Clifton family. On May 15, 1942 Pat married W. Lacy Clifton in the groom's family home, the Clifton House. While Lacy served in WWII, Pat lived in Pennsylvania with her parents. During this time, she served as a Coast Guard volunteer, alternating days worked there with her father's air conditioning business. During her lifetime in Texas, she was deeply involved in Central Presbyterian Church. In the community, she was active in the Action Planning Council United Way, the American Red Cross, Maternal Health, Lighthouse for the Blind, the Junior League of Waco and Oakwood Cemetery. The central kitchen at the Meals on Wheels headquarters bears her name to commemorate her many years of support and volunteer service. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Lacy Clifton. She is survived by her son, Bill and wife, Laura; son Jim and wife, Joann; daughter, Mary, and husband Jim Chase; and grandchildren Will Clifton, Chris Clifton, Rye and wife Megan Clifton, Pippin Clifton, and Jamey Chase. Pallbearers are her five grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. James Hodges, Flavio Martinez, Juliana Vences, Evelyn Howard and Joyce Rush for their excellent and loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Way Foundation 4224 Cobbs Drive, Waco, TX 76710, Meals on Wheels P.O. Box 85, Waco, TX 76703, or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.