+ Patricia Sam Crenshaw +

August 13, 1930 - January 31, 2024

Patricia Sam Crenshaw passed peacefully from her earthly life on January 31, 2024. She was born in Dallas, Texas, on August 13, 1930, to Harry and Rowena Crenshaw. Patricia graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with highest honors, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice and Performing Arts, and graduated the University of North Texas with a Masters of Music degree in Vocal Performance.

Patricia devoted her professional life to music education, training classical singers, conducting choral groups, and performing her musical comedy show. She taught music education in the Dallas Independent School District at Margaret B. Henderson Elementary for 25 years and Lakehill Preparatory School in Dallas for 15 years. As a classically trained singer and musician, Patricia supported the arts by singing as a soloist and chorus member with The Dallas Opera and the Dallas Civic Chorus over 20 years. She conducted and toured internationally with the Dallas Girls Chorus. She also served as Musical Director of the Chancel Choir at Casa View Christian Church and the Chancel Choir at Kessler Park United Methodist Church for decades. Upon her retirement, she continued to sing and contribute her extraordinary musical talent with the Chancel Choir of Christ Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas.

Patricia’s musical genius, comedic timing, and dry wit excelled when performing her infamous one-woman hat show, Comedy Tonight. With outrageous lyrics and flamboyant hats, she shared her songs, poems, stories, and life experiences while providing unforgettable memories in over 1,800 shows, 38 states, and 50 years of musical fun. “If music is a remedy and laughter lifts the blues, then Pat’s Hat Lady show will cure what’s ailing you!”

Patricia served on the boards of several community organizations including The Choristers Guild, Mu Phi Epsilon, American Guild of Organists, and The Oak Cliff Lion’s Club. She devoted countless volunteer time to church ministries, outreach, and civic pursuits in the Dallas area throughout her lifetime.

Patricia is survived by Harry and Gana Crenshaw and family, Sam and Shelley Crenshaw and family, Jane and Emily Gaines, the McKenzie/Nagorka family, Dr. Rene Schmidt, the Van Amburgh/Folsom family, and a host of fabulous friends she considered family.

Patricia’s family and friends wish to thank The Villages of Dallas Care Team, her caregiver LaTonya Traylor, the VITAS Healthcare Team at Methodist Medical Center Dallas, and Dr. William Howard for their professionalism and personal devotion to Patricia.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary of Christ Church Dallas, 534 West 10th Street in Dallas, Texas. The Rev. Dr. Fabian Villalobos and Rev. Andrea Conklin, Deacon, will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in memory of Patricia to Christ Church Dallas, 534 West 10th Street, Dallas, Texas 75208.

Memorial Service:

Saturday, February 17, 2024

2:00 PM

Officiant:

The Rev. Dr. Fabian Villalobos, Rector

The Rev. Andrea Conklin, Deacon

Christ Episcopal Church

534 West 10th Street

Dallas, TX 75208