Tricia graduated from New Boston High School in 1967. She was in the band playing alto sax. She also graduated in 1971 from East Texas State University. Tricia utilized her business degree at Frito Lay, Montgomery Ward and ETSU as a secretary, as a vocational business teacher at R.L. Turner High School, but most beloved as an administrative assistant at Lone Star Gas, now Atmos Energy. After assuming the job in a temporary position to pay off a microwave, tv, and VCR/video camera, Tricia gave the gas company 37 committed years - She took care of her ''boys'' like they were her own.
In her spare time through the years, Tricia enjoyed running/exercising, dancing, researching, crafting, and writing. She was famous for her poems. She was a Weight Watchers leader. Also liking to decorate, Tricia developed a successful antique venture with the help of Joe. She and sister-in-law, Dana, established Jewel Marie's Antique Store in Bonham for many years.
After a firm foundation was established in her childhood at Daniel's Chapel and Red Bayou United Methodist churches, she was an active part of Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville. Tricia was a Sunday school and Confirmation teacher, bible study participant/leader, in the handbell choir, camp counselor, on various committees and Children's Church coordinator. She also became active in Walk to Emmaus, where she was a table leader and even lay director.
Tricia has a host of loved ones celebrating her triumph over death: Her pride and joy daughter and son-in-law, Lauren Parker and Aaron Barta of Caddo Mills, granddaughter, Madison, and grandsons, Aiden and Brenden Barta, brother, Winston Pinkham of Houston, sister, Opal Stimson, sister-in-laws, Paula Pinkham of New Boston, Betsy Sterkel and Dana Nix of Bonham, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends like family. She is preceded in death by her dear husband, Joe, an infant son, Matthew Cox in 1982, her parents, in-laws, EC, Jr and Jo Willa Parker, big brother, Chester Pinkham and idolized sister-in-law, Peggy Pinkham.
A memorial service and hymn singing will be at Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville at 3pm on February 8 with Rev. Brian Bosworth officiating.
Special thanks to Family First Hospice. Additional gratitude to Texas Oncology - Medical City's Dr. Vikas Bhushan and Jessica Pelini, FNP-C, OCN. Their medical care provided Tricia success through chemotherapy treatments for lymphoma and a stem-cell transplant but also afforded her the ability to become Grandma Tricia.
Memorial gifts may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church - As your heart leads you: Children, Youth or Mission ministries. P.O. Box 864 Greenville, TX 75403
Condolences(5)
Jeanette Oglesby
Ashdown, AR Friday, February 7, 2025 Have known Trisha all of her life. Our parents owned a small grocery store in New Boston, and her family were customers. So sorry to hear of her passing. Hold on to the happy memories of times shared with her. One day the memories of the past days and months will pass and the happy ones of the will come forward. Take peace in knowing that she is free of pain, reunited with her Savior, and loved ones, and you can join her one day. Praying for all of you, Jeanette and Richard OglesbyNorman Kirkman
Greenville, TX Friday, February 7, 2025 My condolences Lauren to you and your family at this time. I worked with Tricia at the gas company and I remember you as little girl. Your mom was a special lady and friend. RIP Tricia until we see each other again one day.Kerry Pinkham
New Boston, TX Friday, February 7, 2025 My most sincere condolences for the loss of your mother, a wonderful lady. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.Jeanette Moser
Greenville, TX Tuesday, February 4, 2025 Lauren, I was so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. I really enjoyed working with Trish at Atmos for the 10 years before I retired. We shared a lot of memories and updates on our families. She so loved you and was proud of you. She was excited about all your accomplishments over the years. And we still managed to get a lot of work accomplished!!She was always one of the first to volunteer to help me on community projects. Please give my condolences to your extended family.
Sally Turner
Athens, TX Monday, February 3, 2025 So sorry for your loss. Continued prayers for the family.Sally Turner
Atmos Energy, Athens office