Patrice Milburn

Patrice Munsell Milburn was born September 21st, 1962 to loving parents, the late Miles Milburn Jr., and Mildred Milburn. Patrice transitioned peacefully with her family by her side on March 10th, 2022 at the age of 59 years old.

Patrice was born into a tight knit family. She attended church with her cousins, spent time with her great-grandmother and became a great big sister to Cynthia Milburn by the age of seven.  God, family and hard work became the center of her life at an early age.

Patrice attended James Madison High School where she enjoyed being a majorette and apart of her school’s community. Patrice worked after school and from there she met the Father of her children,  Michael Matthews Sr. She shared memories with classmates and grew some lifelong friendships. She finished high school and went on to attend Prairie View A&M majoring in English for some time. Years later, her and Michael brought Crystal into the world.

Patrice changed scenery and moved to Houston with Crystal, her sister Cynthia and niece and nephew. She led her career as an Engineer for companies like IBM, HP and Apple. Years later, the family came back to Dallas. Eleven years later, she and Michael Matthews Sr. shared the birth of their last daughter Candice. She spent her years with her family and enjoyed life to the fullest.

At a young age Patrice was full of spunk and worked hard. She successfully co-operated a black owned restaurant with Michael. In the early 2000’s Patrice worked for Davis Apparel; a well-known uniform store in Southern Dallas. Around 2014, she began to work for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Police Department and would build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Being a mother and grandmother was special for Patrice. She loved them and it showed in every way. Her personality was vibrant; humor was infectious, and her dancing and singing could put anyone in a good mood. Her conversations would almost always end with the question, “Really?” A phrase that we all knew might've meant a dozen things for her. She enjoyed her family and loved staying home relaxing. Her favorite pass time was to watch crime TV shows or movies like The Temptations or James Brown. Going on cruises, and trips to Bucc-ees stations made her day. Trying new restaurants and online shopping was another joy she shared. Her soulful cooking was perfection, especially the hot water cornbread. “Now am I right, or am I wrong?”

Patrice leaves us with a great impression. She was a leopard print loving diva who kept her hair done; and always camera ready. We experienced a beautiful, spirited and selfless woman with a smile that will forever be cherished.

Our beloved is survived by her children; Crystal Milburn (Ronald Oudems) and Candice Milburn; grandchildren Alanie Lydia and Christopher Mosley Jr., Alaisha and Jazzmin Oudems; mother Mildred Milburn; sister Cynthia Milburn; and a special friend Willie Curley. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her sweetheart Michael Matthews Sr.; father Miles Milburn Jr.; brother Ronnie Lacy; grandmother Minnie Pearl Johnson, and other family members who are dearly missed.

We ask that in lieu of flowers, find something to joke or laugh about or meditate on all that is good in life, especially during troubled times. Patrice would have wanted that.