Patricia Funderburk

Patricia Ann (Pat) Rector Funderburk passed peacefully into the arms of her loving savior, Jesus Christ on September 6, 2023. 

She was born February 8, 1931, in Bastrop, to Zelma Peters Rector and James Madison Rector, Jr. of Collinston, LA.

 Pat lost her father in an auto accident when she was only 6, a loss that altered her life indelibly.  In the years that followed, Zelma worked retail on DeSiard Street while she and Pat made a home with loving relatives.  Baptized at First Baptist, West Monroe, Pat began her lifelong journey of faith in Jesus Christ, establishing a legacy of ministry that defined her until she was called home.  After Zelma remarried years later, Pat attended Ouachita Parish High School where she excelled in voice, singing alto in the award-winning OPHS Choir.

Although Pat knew Max Funderburk throughout high school, it was after graduation, summer of 1948 she received a call from him to go on their first date, swimming in the bayou.  A steady courtship followed through their freshman year at Northeast Jr. College.  When Zelma and Paul moved to St. Louis, MO, Pat joined them, enrolling in Washington University with a scholarship in voice.  Max transferred to Baylor and spent much of his sophomore year hitchhiking from Waco to St. Louis.  Knowing they were meant for each other, Pat changed her major to business, and moved to Waco where they both graduated in 1952. Baylor dental school for Max followed in Dallas, and in 1953, they said “I do” at First Baptist, West Monroe, followed by a quick honeymoon to Devil’s Den State Park in Ark.  Pat and Max enjoyed 68 years of wedded bliss.  Max always called Pat his “beautiful bride and partner” and she referred to him as “my everything.”

Pat had a remarkable voice and love for music.  Her performances included solos in Handel’s Messiah, community theatre — The King and I, and “O Holy Night,” a perennial Christmas Eve favorite.  Pat was an encourager, and enjoyed tremendous friendships over the years, especially June Ritchie, with whom she remained in constant contact from Baylor days.  After Max retired from dentistry, he and Pat treasured the most wonderful retirement imagined, serving and traveling as their family grew.

Pat is survived by daughters, Lyn Norris and husband, Chuck of Natchez, MS, and Kim Webb and husband, Perry of McKinney, TX,; son, Mark and wife, Cynthia of Lubbock, TX; grandchildren, Charlie Norris (Anna-Regan), Chris Norris (Caurie), Anna Stovall (David), Jonathan Webb (Erica), Tyler Webb (Cara), and Adam Funderburk; and seven great grandchildren. 

Pat was preceded in death by her parents and her everything, Max.  

Pat’s faith grew stronger, more resolute through the years, particularly as a widow. She adopted a resounding and heartfelt spirit of gratitude for all God’s blessings.  Through her last days, she listened intently to her favorite sermons on TV, texted encouraging bible verses to her children and grandchildren, shared her faith with new friends, and prayed with confidence…as Hebrews says, “to find help in our time of need.”

Her favorite hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” serves as a testament to her unwavering dependence on her savior and ultimate joy, Jesus Christ.

Memorial donations may be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews or UMC Children’s Hospital in Lubbock.