Pat Couri

     Patsy (Pat) Graves Couri born, 30 December 1947, to Charles (born 09 Sept. 1914, died Oct. 2000) and Lois Graves (born 30 Sept. 1914, died 23 Sept. 2003) joined her parents in heaven on Sunday, October 22, 2017. 

     Pat is survived by her husband of 48 years, Rick; her brother, Ron and his wife, Glenda, their children, Jason, his wife, Amy and their children, Janae and Jaycob, all of Poteau; Chance and Annika Graves and Noah of Raisting, Germany, Michael Stanley of Fayetteville, Ark., and Alan and Stacy McDaniel of Poteau; her aunt, Dennie King of Fort Worth, Texas; Pam Albert of Poteau and numerous other relatives and loved ones. 

     Pat married the love of her life, Richard (Rick) Couri on 24 January 1969 and enjoyed 48 years of marriage before her demise.  God did not allow the couple to have children so they “adopted” many throughout the years.  Several still called the couple, mom and dad.

     Pat attended school in Heavener before moving to Poteau where she completed elementary through high school graduating in 1965.  Pat went on to Northeastern State University and then transferred to Southeastern State University graduating in 1969 with a degree in education. 

     Pat began her teaching career in the Kiamichi Vocational Technology School in Hugo, Oklahoma where husband Rick was the learning lab instructor. The couple returned to Poteau in 1971 and Pat worked in the offices of Poteau High School prior to a teaching position coming open and then spent twenty nine years teaching business education before retiring in 2001 due to health issues.  Pat served in several areas while teaching including cheerleader sponsor and was very involved in preparation for on-site visits.

      Pat enjoyed several crafts and was a collector of stuffed animals, baskets and Coca Cola memorabilia.  Pat enjoyed her piano and prior to her stroke played often to relieve stress.  She loved to go to craft fairs with her special friends and always brought home items she just had to have.

     Pat was a member of First Baptist Church of Poteau where she enjoyed attending and especially her Sunday school class taught by Sonya Combs. She loved the Lord and especially her church family.

     Thanks to Heavener Nursing and Rehab and Advantage Hospice for your care of Pat in her final days.  Special thanks to our church family for your prayers, phone calls, visits and food throughout Pat’s illness.  First Baptist Church has been our home church since moving back to Poteau in 1971.

     Pallbearers include; Dr. Terry Harrison, Dr Randolph Stokes, Luke Smith, Jack Lynch, Lance Smith, and Charlie Mohr. Honorary pall bearers are Kelly Hughes, Harrell Bright and Ed Abernathy.

     Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Poteau at 2 pm on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 with Rev. Phil McGehee, Rev. Gentry Hill and Rev. Nathan McClary officiating.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Poteau.

      Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church and to LeFlore County Youth Services, Inc.

      The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5 pm to 6:30 pm  to visit with relatives & friends.