Patricia Stevenson was born and raised in Enid Oklahoma. She is number 4 in a loving line of 12 children. She attended Carver Elementary School, Longfellow Junior High, and graduated from Enid High School. After graduation, she began her career in helping others working at St. Mary’s Hospital as a Nurse’s Aid. She continued her education attending Phillips University and graduated from Northern Oklahoma College.
Pat found her calling and opened her child care Business, Patty Cake Daycare, in 1983. While working full time, she also earned her Associate’s Degree in Child Development. She cared not only for the children in her daycare but also for their families. She often went above and beyond the daycare by visiting the homes of the children and always being available to help families by educating them and providing kind and generous works. Many of her students and their families fondly remain in contact with her.
One of her “kids” was quoted as saying: “Mrs. Patty is one of the most kind, giving, strong, selfless, genuine, happy and full of life people I know. To know her is to love her. I have had the pleasure of knowing her pretty much my entire life, since the age of 18 months, and I will be 30 soon. Not only was she one of my primary caregivers growing up, she is also my god-mother. She has taught me life lessons that have stuck with me to this day. She has taught me things such as the importance of my faith and keeping God first, what unconditional love looks like, how to forgive the way God has forgiven me, and much more. She would always tell me how I was like a daughter that she never had. Well she means so much to me and is like a mother I’ve always prayed for. I am beyond blessed and grateful to have her in my life. My 2 boys love her and enjoy visits with her, and all the love and happiness she brings when she is around. She is truly a gem and a legend on this earth, we are so grateful for her!”
Although Pat’s most cherished accolades are her preschool students, her unwavering commitment to God, families and her community have not gone unnoticed. Her awards and honors include the Oklahoma Early Childhood Association Award, Garfield County Child Care Association Award, Martin Luther King Diversity Award, and Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer of the Year Award. She has served as the President of Martin Luther King Committee, President of Bass Volunteer Committee and currently serves as Parliamentarian for Bass Hospital Volunteer group.
Retirement has not slowed her down. She remains active by continuing to work with CASA and volunteering at Bass Hospital. Pat is able and willing to serve most anywhere there is a need. She recently completed a 5k and a 10k run and came in first place in her age group.
Encounters with “Patty Cake” will always include a kind encouraging word and a reminder to pray for our country and “people all around the world”. She has been married to Jerry “Smoke” Stevenson for 53 years, has one child, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. We are happy to honor Patricia Stevenson as this month’s Local Legend!
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