Biography:

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Patricia Webster Renfro, affectionately known to some as Patty or “Patty Cake,” began her next adventure on August 28, 2026. Born in Galveston, Texas, on August 16, 1930, to Helen McMullen Webster and Sydney Jamieson Webster, Patricia was a proud BOI ("Born on Island") and the third of four children.

Patricia's childhood was shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, and the rhythms of life along the Gulf Coast. She spent her early years on Galveston Island before her family moved to New Orleans, following opportunities tied to her father's work in the shipping business, returning to Galveston later. She remembered the island's wartime blackouts, when German U-boats were offshore, and the local boys who teasingly invited girls to watch the "submarine races" at the end of the island.

Her Galveston stories became part of the family's fabric. During beach picnics, Patricia would tell the children that pirate Jean Lafitte's treasure was buried nearby, and they would spend hours searching, turning an ordinary afternoon into an adventure. That was Patricia's gift: with her, no one was ever truly lost. They were simply "on an adventure."

Patricia attended the University of Texas at Austin and Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Over the course of her life, she made homes in South Louisiana; Jackson, MS;Richardson and Plano, TX; and Little Rock, AR. While living in South Louisiana, she learned the art of Cajun cooking, a skill that later earned her the title of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral's "Gumbo Queen" after she won the cathedral's gumbo cook-off in 2017. She also enjoyed traveling the world, and she carried her natural curiosity and adventurous spirit wherever she went. She was deeply proud of her Scottish heritage.

Patricia enjoyed a successful career in real estate. Outside of her work, she was active in the garden club and in many book clubs. An avid reader and devoted animal lover, she embraced life with curiosity and compassion. She was a talented seamstress and a formidable bridge player, and rarely missed a question whilewatching Jeopardy!

Patricia was known for her quick wit and gracious spirit. A consummate host, she had a special way of making others feel welcome and cared for, and she created a beautiful home filled with laughter and hospitality. She loved holidays, family gatherings, and time spent with friends. She especially enjoyed creating traditions for friends and family, such as special trips with her grandchildren or baking Christmas cookies with them. Above all, Patricia loved being with her friends and family.

Faith and service were important throughout Patricia's life. While living in Plano, she served as a deacon at Grace Presbyterian Church. After moving to Little Rock, she attended Second Presbyterian Church and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. At Trinity, she served in the Flower Guild and helped needlepoint kneelers for the sanctuary, leaving a lasting and tangible expression of her devotion and creativity.

Patricia possessed extraordinary strength of mind, body, and character. In her twenties, she overcame serious injuries sustained in a devastating automobile accident. Later, she faced and overcame breast cancer twice. Through every challenge, she demonstrated the strength, resilience, and grace that defined her life.

Above all, Patricia was exceedingly proud of her family. She cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She is survived by her son, David Timothy Wald of Little Elm, Texas, and her daughters, Elizabeth Wald Barnes and her husband, Robert, of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Margaret Wald Gowan and her husband, John, of Dallas, Texas.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Caroline O'Keefe Bork and her husband, Daniel; Madison Leigh Wald; John Crozier Gowan; Richard Jamieson Gowan; Marion Barnes Stafford and her husband, Stephen; Emily Barnes Carnes and her husband, Jason, and their children, Grayson Walker Carnes and Harrison Hayes Carnes; and by her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Anne Bork. 

With Patricia's passing, her extended family bids farewell to the last member of her generation. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, each part of the broad family circle she treasured.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margaret Webster Lewis; her brothers, Sydney John Webster and Charles Rodney Webster; and her infant son, Robert GlennWald.

Her family extends its heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by her SeniorKare caregivers, Carolyn Bacot, Cynthia Spencer, Mary Shavers, Carla Dolphus, and Lucille Nichols, as well as Baptist Hospice, whose compassionate care support meant so much to Patricia and her family. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Presbyterian Village Retirement Community for the kindness, care, and friendship they gave Patricia and for the comfort they brought to her family.

A service celebrating Patricia's life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 W. 17th St., Little Rock, Arkansas, on September 11, 2026 at 10 a.m.  A reception hosted by her family will follow in Morrison Hall. Interment will take place at Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Presbyterian Village Foundation, 500 Brookside Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205.

Patricia leaves her family a legacy of courage, faith, curiosity, humor, and adventure. She taught them to treasure the journey, remain strong through life's challenges, and remember that even when the destination was uncertain, they were never truly lost. They were simply on an adventure.