Patricia Medina Johnson Weldin

“Chance made us sisters. Hearts made us friends.”

Patricia Medina Johnson Weldin died October 21, 2025, at Heritage Manor Stratmore. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace (Johnny) Johnson and Beulah Catherine Johnson, her brother, John Michael Johnson, and her sister, Carolyn Sue Hamric. Survivors include her son, Patrick McLean Weldin, her sister, Catherine (Cay) Green and husband, Gary Green as well as cherished nieces, nephews, and their extended families.

Patricia, better known to her friends as Dennie or Dina, was born January 27, 1953, at Fort Hood, Kileen, Texas. She attended Sunset Acres, Oak Terrace, and both Woodlawn and Southwood high schools, graduating from Southwood in the first graduate class in 1971.

She, then enrolled at LSUS but decided that college was not what she wanted. Always a free spirit, with a winning smile and tender heart, she embarked on the “road less taken.”

She worked at the booming Western Electric Plant. Shift work was the norm, the pay was good, and co-workers became life-long friends. Eventually, as the plant automated, Dina became a telephone operator, that voice that we all depended on to connect us with friends, the fire and police departments, and our long distance loved ones. She worked for Northwest Title, handling paperwork to complete closings on time, giving buyers piece of mind. Dina even sold antiques at Red River Antiques, where she developed an interest in antiques and became an avid collector. 

All this and more is true, but it does not capture Dina. She loved her cats! Probably fifteen or more! She loved all things 70s and 80s - records, shoes, clothes, concerts, and just life. She was Lutheran and loved our church and its beautiful hymns. But most of all, she loved her son, Patrick McLean Weldin. It was obvious that he was the center of her world, and as a single mom, she dedicated herself to instilling kindness, faith, and strength.

A dear friend put it this way, “Dina was larger than life – a bright and joyful soul whose infectious laugh could fill any room. She had an outgoing spirit and kind heart that drew people in and made everyone feel at ease. A true free spirit, Dina embraced life with a fun-loving energy and a sense of adventure that inspired those around her. She would listen without judgement, offer comfort when it was needed most, and keep your secrets safe. Her empathy and trustworthiness made her a rock to many and a joy to know. Her memory will live on in the laughter she shared, the kindness she showed, and the love she gave so freely.”

An inadequate thank you is expressed to Heritage Manor, 300 Hall, Colette, Krista, Brenda, and Mona who took extraordinary care of Dina.