Phyllis Ann Bradley Kirkpatrick

Phyllis Ann Bradley Kirkpatrick Phyllis Ann Bradley Kirkpatrick remained steadfast in her faith as she struggled with a long illness the past 27 months. She never gave up hope that she would be cured. She did not want to leave her family and believed she had many more tasks to accomplish in her life, and as she often said, "I will go kicking and screaming out of this life." In reality, she handled her illness with grace, and those around her witnessed her walk with God. Surrounded by her family, she passed away peacefully December 8, 2009. She was born in Victoria, Texas, on February 12, 1958, to Olin "Brad" Bradley and Mildred Leita Bradley. Brad and Mildred took the scenic route to the hospital the day Phyllis was born to look at the surrounding area, which was covered with a rare six inches of snow. Phyllis grew up in Victoria and graduated from Stroman High School in May, 1976. She attended Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, from 1976-1980 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences in 1980. She earned a Master's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences in 1989 from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. She met the love of her life, Robert Alan Kirkpatrick, at an Aggie meeting. They were married August 23, 1986, and had two sons, Calvin Ryan Kirkpatrick and Chance Taylor Kirkpatrick. Phyllis taught high school science for 17 years. She was respected and loved by students, faculty, and parents. She was also a planetarium educator at Cumberland Science Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1991 to 1992. Phyllis moved from the classroom to the Texas Educations Agency, where she served as the science content coordinator in the Student Assessment Division for six years. She played an important role in the development of the TAKS science assessments. For the past six years, Phyllis described her life as a happy Aggie working with the Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas, Austin, Texas, promoting science education and professional development. She was preceded in death by her father, Olin Bradley; maternal grandparents, Ben and Angie Leita; and her paternal grandparents, Jim and Verdie Bradley. Left to remember Phyllis's warm, loving heart, can-do attitude, and Texas spirit are her husband, Alan; her sons, Calvin and Chance; her mother, Mildred Bradley; brothers, Steven (Melissa) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; and Patrick (Clara) of Victoria, Texas. She also leaves her treasured nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends who will forever remember her. The Kirkpatrick family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Beth Hellerstedt; Lisa Painter, NP; Carl Neuss; and the other wonderful staff of Texas Oncology for their professional and compassionate care during Phyllis's illness. The family also extends their appreciation to Austin Hospice for their support. A memorial service for Phyllis will be held December 12, 11:00 a.m., at the Buda United Methodist Church, 302 Elm Street, Buda, Texas 78610, 512-295-6981. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local food pantry or to Hospice. Please leave condolences at www.CallawayJones.com.