Patricia Waters Aslin

Patricia Waters Aslin, age 63 of Gatesville, passed away the morning of February 16, 2025, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple from complications related to breast cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21 at Coryell Community Church. Interment will follow the service at Restland Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20 at Scott’s Funeral Home.

Doris and J.D. Waters welcomed Patricia Kay into the world on January 23, 1962, in Denison, Texas, joining older siblings David, Terri, and Barbara. Pat attended school in Tyler and Palestine before their family settled in Gatesville. At Gatesville High School, Pat performed as a “Stingette” on the dance team and forged the foundation of her unshakeable faith at Trinity Baptist Church in the Acteens program.

Following graduation from GHS, Pat attended Tarleton State University to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher, inspired by her own second grade teacher who showed her the same love, kindness, and encouragement that is her legacy. Pat earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Tarleton, where she made lifelong friends, including Nancy Cranfill, who she considered a sister. 

In college, Pat’s life changed forever when she fell in love at first sight with the love of her life and whole world, Terry Aslin. Pat and Terry were married on June 2, 1984, and made their home in Fort Worth where she was an award-winning teacher at Kennedale ISD. Later, they returned to Gatesville where she taught Kindergarten at Gatesville Primary School. The early years of their marriage were filled with travel, friends, and most importantly, quality time with each other.

 When their son Brian was born, Pat pursued her dream job as a full-time mom. Daughter Allison followed, then Lauren completed the Aslin Family. For a decade, Pat’s days were filled with children’s books, school lunches, trips to the library and city pool, Sunday School, playgrounds, tee-ball, and laughter; she adored every moment.

 Eventually, the time came for Pat to return to Gatesville Primary where she taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and was a Master Reading Teacher. Professionally, her passion was teaching children how to read and promoting literacy. She was simply the best teacher there ever was. Teaching was not just a job, it was who she was, pouring herself into every student so they could succeed in life. Pat would end each school day by hugging each of her students and telling them she loved them.

 As much as she loved teaching the children in her community, Pat’s greatest love was supporting her own three alongside Terry. For years, they traveled across Texas supporting Brian, Allison, and Lauren in their extracurricular activities. After each of the Aslin kids graduated from Baylor University and pursued their own careers, she was inordinately proud that her children were, in her words, “a lawyer, a doctor, and a businesswoman in Dallas.” The academic and professional success of her children are a direct reflection of her work and love. After she retired from teaching, she devoted herself to the role she was made for, grandmother. For nearly three years, Pat and Terry were Shepherd’s Nana and Pop Pop together, creating memories that her family will treasure forever.

 Scripture tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Pat Aslin knew God. She loved unconditionally. Her relationship with God was the wellspring that allowed her to love others better than anyone else. When you think about Pat’s joy, laugh, and incandescent smile, remember that the joy of the Lord was the source of her love.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Doris Winters and J.D. Waters, father-in-law Tom Aslin, brother David Carter, sister Terri McElhenney, and nephew Christopher Rhudy.

 Pat is survived by her husband of 40 years, Terry Aslin; son Brian Aslin, his wife Taylor; daughter Allison Mighell, her husband Jon, and their son, Shepherd; daughter Lauren Aslin; sister Barbara Rhudy, her husband David; mother-in-law Margie Aslin; brother-in-law Tommy Aslin, his wife Clara; brother-in-law Mike Aslin, his wife Janice; sister-in-law Pam Worley, her husband Art; her nieces and nephews; cousins; and many beloved friends.

  Memorials to honor Pat's life have been designated to the Gatesville Public Library, 111 N. 8th Street, Gatesville, TX 76528.