Patricia Barone Obituary

PATRICIA COATS BARONE

March 22, 1946 - July 5, 2025

Patricia Ann Coats Barone, affectionately known as "Tricia", left this world to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Tricia's journey began on March 22, 1946, when she was born to Jim and Elsie Coats near the community of Appleby, Texas. Often referred to by her Father as "the runt of the litter", she grew up on a farm located outside of Nacogdoches, Texas. Two of her favorite pastimes were sitting on the freezer while homemade ice cream was being cranked and watching American Bandstand with her older sister, Maxine.

Prior to graduation from Stephen F. Austin University, where she also received her Masters in Elementary Education in 1972, she attended Central Heights High School where she enjoyed being a basketball cheerleader during her senior year.

It was on the evening of July 22, 1972, when she became Mrs. Thomas Vincent Barone. Throughout their journey together she would often remind him that on that evening, she promised to love and honor, "but not obey" him. She was faithful, a trusted confidante, his best friend, his strongest supporter and his harshest critic.

The love in her heart blossomed significantly with the addition of Matthew Thomas in 1982 and Michael Vincent in 1985.

Tricia spent the great majority of her life teaching and ministering to the needs of children as a dedicated elementary school teacher with the Mesquite Independent School District. As a testament to her love and dedication, former students and their parents would often approach her at various locations around Mesquite and tell her how much of an impact she made as an educator.

It was in the fall of 2020 when Tricia stood side by side with Tommy to serve and minister to the Senior Adults of Inspiration Church in Mesquite. As a testament to her loving and understanding nature, it was just a matter of time before she and all of the Senior Adults were beating the very same heartbeat.

Tricia was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Elsie Coats; and her sister, Maxine. She is survived by her husband of nearly 53 years, Tommy; son, Matthew; daughter-in-law, Alison Hollender; grandchildren, Emilia and Matthew II; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Shanna; grandson, Huxlee; brothers, Jim Allen Coats, Jr. and Royce; and sisters, Mary Helen Ahrens and Wanda Schenk. In addition, she leaves behind numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a wonderful group of Senior Adults whose lives were all greatly enriched by knowing and loving her.

A graveside service will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Nacogdoches County at some point in the future.