Patricia “Pat” Jerman Bird of McKinney, Texas passed away October 4, 2023 at the age of 94. She was born on May 13, 1929, in Washington D.C. to parents John “Larry” LaRue Jerman and Catherine Louise Alta (Strobel) Jerman. Pat attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington D.C. She met her future husband, John Antrim Bird, during the summer of 1946 when both Pat and John were working in the typing pool for the U.S. General Accounting Office. Pat continued her higher education and graduated from Marion College in Marion, Virginia, as a member of the academic honorary society of Phi Theta Kappa. On June 2, 1951, Pat married the love of her life, John Bird, in Bethesda, Maryland. Their marriage was blessed with love, companionship, and joy filled memories that continued for over 72 years.
Family always came first for Pat. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing and cooking for her family, while having a passion for swimming, bridge parties, and dancing, which included tap dancing well into her 80’s. Pat worked as a legal secretary for various law firms as the needs of the family allowed. She enjoyed genealogy research, uncovering her family history and stories from the past.
Pat was a faithful member of many churches all her married life although she did not come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior until 1975. This brought wonderful peace and contentment into her heart. Her spirituality became a guiding force throughout her life. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Pat blessed the lives of many and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her beloved husband, John Bird of McKinney, Texas; children, Kathleen Bird and husband Sonny Jeanes, Janet Walker and husband Ken, John “Chip” Bird, Jr. and wife Sherry, Michael Bird and wife Becky, and Nancy Harty and husband Don; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother, John “Jay” LaRue Jerman, II and wife Carol; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Catherine Jerman and sister, Bettigene Jerman Smith.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in the Chapel at First McKinney Baptist Church, 1615 West Louisiana Street, McKinney, Texas 75069.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Agape Senior Adult Class. Please make checks payable to First McKinney Baptist Church with “Senior Adult Designated Account” on the memo line of the check.