Patsy Jean Hill

Patsy Hill, 91, of Midland, Texas passed away on September 4, 2025.

Patsy was born at the family home in Breckenridge, Tx., to Ruth and Samuel Hill on December 20, 1933. The family moved to Abilene, Tx. when Patsy was in second grade and remained there during Patsy’s subsequent grade school and high school years. Patsy graduated from Abilene High School in August of 1951 and immediately, in September of that year, began her studies at the City County (now John Peter Smith) Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Worth, Tx, where she graduated in 1954.

Patsy continued her education throughout her nursing career, first by attending a post-graduate course in operating room nursing at New York University Hospital and Bellevue Medical School in New York City. Later, Patsy received her Bachelor of Nursing Education degree from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth (Tx). She then pursued graduate studies at Texas Woman’s University on both the Denton (Tx) and Dallas (Tx) campuses at various times and received a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth (Tx) in 1980, even as she always continued to teach full time.

Patsy’s work career spanned a total of 39 years. She always continued working, even during all those times when she was pursuing her post-graduate education. Immediately following her graduation from nursing school, Patsy was employed as an operating room nurse at Odessa (Tx) Regional Hospital. This job was followed by positions in other operating rooms in Abilene (Tx), Sequoia District Hospital (Redwood City, Ca), and San Jose Hospital (San Jose, Ca). She also worked in the emergency room and as the operating room supervisor at Midland (Tx) Memorial Hospital.

Teaching seemed to be a natural progression for Patsy’s nursing career, first as she assisted with research in surgical procedures during her off-duty time- in open heart surgery (Fort Worth, Tx), aortic by-pass surgery (Bellevue Hospital, New York City, NY), and gastric surgery (Redwood, Ca). Later she taught nursing students from Texas Christian University in an elective course on how to function effectively in the operating room.

Patsy developed Texas’ first educational program for operating room (surgical) technicians that was non-military and also was a part of a junior college setting. This program was first offered in 1968 at Tarrant County College (Fort Worth, Tx) and within one year provided the students with clinical training by rotation in the six major hospitals in Fort Worth; as well, the students received college credits for half of the courses in the curriculum.

Patsy’s main goal in teaching surgical technicians at the community college level, besides their becoming proficient in the performance of their tasks, was to encourage continuing education as an option in their professional development.  Many of Patsy’s students did continue their education after graduating from her program, matriculating in both Associate and Bachelor’s degree programs in nursing and in the Physician Assistant program at Southwestern Medical school (Dallas, Tx). Some students later became nurse practitioners and one student went on to become a surgeon practicing in Washington state.

Patsy retired in 1993 from Tarrant County College as Coordinator of Surgical Technology after 25 years of employment there.

Patsy not only was quite active but was also highly respected in her profession. She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau (a national honorary society for nurses) and the National Association of Operating Room Nurses. On three different occasions she served as president of the Fort Worth (Tx) chapter of the Association of Operating Room Nurses, and she also served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Operating Room Nurses.

Patsy often was chosen as a delegate to the National Congress of Operating Room Nurses and as such she was privileged to attend meetings in various cities across the United States. She also served as a site visitor during the process of accreditation of surgical technician programs in colleges throughout Texas and in several other states as well.

Patsy was renowned for her delectable baked goods which she and her friend, Billie, enjoyed sharing with friends and colleagues during holiday seasons and for birthdays and special occasions. Patsy and Billie also were involved almost continuously in providing support and physical care to various members of their families over the years.

Patsy was preceded in death by Billie Hightower; her parents Samuel and Ruth Hill; her sister, Mary Hill Burleson; her nephew, Vaughn Burleson, and her niece, Marilyn Vassequetelle.

She is survived by three nephews- Don Burleson of Tampa, Fl., Wade Burleson of Fort Worth, Tx. and Robert Burleson (Nancy) of New Braunfels, Tx. Patsy also is survived by special friends Dr. Ann Richards (La Junta, Co); Jerry Beth Layton (Keller, Tx); and Scot and Debbie Smith, Darlene Salinas, and Dr. Carolyn Rhode (Midland, Tx).

Throughout her life, Patsy was a faithful member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). At the time of her death, she was a member of the First Christian Church of Midland.

Patsy wanted to express her thanks especially to Scot and Debbie Smith, and to Dr. Ann Richards, Jerry Beth Layton, Dr. Carolyn Rhode and Darlene Salinas.

Patsy had a long and fruitful life, serving others through her nursing and teaching and through her generous giving of herself, her time, and her gifts of food and compassion. Certainly these timeless words can be spoken of her-“Well done, good and faithful servant”.

At the express request of the deceased, no services will be held.

This obituary was written by Patsy’s long-time friend, the Reverend Dr. Ann Richards.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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