Patricia Ann Stafford

Obituary for Patricia Ann Stafford

Patricia Ann Stafford, age 80, of Mont Belvieu, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Pat was born on August 19, 1945, to Elward Bryant and Ina Mae Walker. A proud graduate of Galena Park High School, Class of 1963, she lived a life full of faith, love, and unwavering hospitality.

A member of First Baptist Church of Mont Belvieu, Pat’s life was a reflection of her deep faith and kind spirit. She was the heart of her family and a true friend to many. Known for her warm welcome and unmatched cooking, Pat believed that no one should ever leave her home hungry — and her pies, especially, were a gift she shared with joy.

Pat had a diverse and fulfilling career. In the 1970s, she owned and operated The Pizza Shop in Galena Park, where she not only served up sandwiches and pizzas but created lasting memories. In 1989, she began her career with Southwest Airlines as Assistant Manager of Reservations. During this time, she enjoyed cooking for the Ronald McDonald house, a gift she shared with many. Her time there took her to Oklahoma, where she met the love of her life, Randy Stafford. The two were married and shared 27 wonderful years filled with travel, shopping, and laughter.

Pat retired in 2000 but never slowed down. She continued pouring into others and staying in touch with her lifelong friends, the “Ya Ya’s,” a sisterhood that spanned more than 65 years.

She had a beautiful singing voice and often shared it with her brothers and at family gatherings, where hymns and harmony were part of the tradition. She loved bluegrass gospel, and her home was always full of music, love, and good food.

Above all, Pat cherished her family — her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended loved ones. She was truly the glue that held everyone together.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James "Jim" Bryant and his wife Darlene; her sister-in-law Carolyn Bryant; and her niece Rhonda Vander-Weile.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Randy Stafford; her children: Craig Podsednik and wife Becky, Jason Bryant Podsednik, and Amber Dee Clark and husband Brian; stepchildren: Elwin Lamon, Kelvin Lamon, Jackie Don Stafford, Melanie Bazor, Jennifer Renee Stafford, and Jessica Elizabeth Stafford; her brother Donald "Don" Bryant and wife Wanda; grandchildren: Patricia "Hope" Rifqi, Briana Dee Clark, Scarlett Blayne Clark, and Brad Podsednik; great-grandchildren: Jaxon Podsednik and Cason Podsednik; niece Debra "Deb" Barrett and nephew Jim Bryant.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home. A celebration of Pat’s life will take place on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., also at Pace Stancil. Interment will follow at Palms Memorial Park Cemetery in Dayton, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Craig Podsednik, Jason Podsednik, Elwin Lamon, Kelvin Lamon, Steven Barrett, and Johnny Bryant. Honorary pallbearers include Jaxon Barrett, Colton Brown, and Geren Bryant.

Patricia Ann Stafford lived a life full of hospitality, service, and song. Her legacy will continue to live on in the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave.