September 21, 1947 – October 5, 2024
Patricia Ann Riddle McCumsey peacefully entered into eternity on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at her home in Watson, Louisiana, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Patricia graduated from Oak Grove High School and pursued a degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas. Patricia was a devout Christian and had a heart for service. She dedicated her career to special education and educational leadership in her community.
In Ola, Arkansas, Patricia helped create a school for children with different learning abilities. She wore many hats—serving as principal, teacher, and even bus driver. After relocating to Louisiana, she joined the Live Oak school system, where she continued her impactful work in special education. Patricia earned a master’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, which paved the way for her role as Principal of Live Oak Middle School. She later transitioned to the Livingston Parish School Board to be the Director of Special Education, where she finished her career before retiring in 2012.
While Patricia had a distinguished professional life, she cherished her roles as wife, mother, and doting Grammy the most. She and her husband, Michael “Mike” Bain McCumsey, never missed an opportunity to create cherished memories with their families. They often spent their evenings and weekends at a ball game, sharing in a celebration, or having family over for Sunday dinner. No moment was too small to enjoy.
Patricia is now reunited with her beloved husband of 52 years. She leaves behind three sons and their wives: Scott and Sara McCumsey, Matt and Becky McCumsey, and Brian and Sydney McCumsey; as well as eight grandchildren: Luci, Bella, Caroline, Eli, Carrie, Anna Claire, Michael, and Charlie McCumsey. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Kay McCumsey, Kenneth and Sue McCumsey, Gregory McCumsey, Patrick and Gay McCumsey, and Mauri and Sergio Capello, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Cloie Loftis Riddle.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Tekeia Coleman, Becky Horton, Dianne Dubuisson, and Dot Sibley for their compassionate care during Patricia’s final days.
The McCumsey family invites everyone to celebrate Patricia’s remarkable life. Visitation will be held at Live Oak Church in Watson, Louisiana on Thursday from 8:30AM to 11:00AM, with funeral services following immediately after.
6 comments
Paula Aucoin
October 14, 2024 at 11:10 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss 😪💔
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family 🙏🙏
My son, Caleb and I met Mrs. Pat in 2006. When Caleb started middle school. I knew then what a remarkable woman she was. She truly loved her kids at school, especially the special needs kids.
While in middle school Caleb started having seizures again. It was up to 60 back to back. 911 was called numerous times and even though his teachers and aids were next to him, Mrs. Pat could get him calmed down before I could get to the school.
One time, we had to leave his wheelchair at school (it was a Thursday) and I rode in the ambulance with Caleb. Caleb was in the hospital for a week that time. Well, Mrs. Pat called me and gave me her personal cell phone number just in case I needed to come to the school and get his wheelchair. She told me “I can’t have my baby without his chair if he needs it.”
How many principals give a parent their phone number?
When he got home from the hospital, I went to get his wheelchair, and she gave me the “warmest” hug ever and told me if I needed anything to let her know.
Heaven gained a remarkable woman/friend.
We are going to miss her so much!
Fly high with the Angels Mrs. Pat
May you Rest in Peace
Love,
Paula and Caleb Aucoin
Roseanne Philpot Erwin
October 9, 2024 at 8:44 pm
I just want the boys to know thow grateful I am to have had
Pat and Mike as such great Christain friends while you guys were growing up and then beyond. But I want you to also know how much my Parents, Obie & Mary Philpot, thought of Your Parents. I spent alot of quality time with Mom & Dad in their last years and we could make a whole dinner conversation about how much they loved Pat & Mike. So know that this is just one more little part of their legacy. Josh Dyer sends his condolences from Alaska to you. “May the Peace that passeth all understanding be in your heart, your soul and your mind “
Mary Guerin
October 8, 2024 at 8:02 pm
Having Pat as a neighbor and friend (although we didn’t visit often) I feel very blessed to have had her in my life. She was a sweet and kind beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed 😘
Linda Frease
October 8, 2024 at 1:01 pm
I was truly blessed to be able to call her friend and co worker. I will miss her, she was a joy to be around.
Amy Freeman
October 8, 2024 at 2:06 am
Having taught under Mrs. Pat, how fortunate the teachers of Live Oak were to see and benefit from her love for education! Her compassion and positivity, from the classroom, to the office and beyond; truly made a lasting impact on myself and the Watson community!! To her family, all the precious memories WILL carry you through…
Lauren Bennett
October 7, 2024 at 1:55 am
I’ll always remember a Loving Compassionate, resourceful , helpful, intelligent woman & mother ! Pat served her family, her community & Live Oak Elementary school “ Family with respect & dedication!
When my daughter was Kindergarten age (1985), I knew she needed extra time with cognitive & reading issues. Ms. Pat was essential with pleading to the committee for recommendations to get my child set up for summer home tutoring & special needs program during the school year!
I’m sure numerous other children with learning difficulties were spared being left behind in the mainstream classroom setting, because Mrs. Pat poured her heart into every childs education capabilities!