Patricia Marie Nelson Wittliff was born on November 14, 1932 and went
to be with her Lord and Savior on March 13, 2026.

Pat grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated from Alamo Heights High School. She continued her education at Austin College in Sherman, earning a double major in Art and English. While there, she was active in choir and a proud member of the Alpha Delta Chi sorority. During this time, she met her first husband, William Collins Neely, with whom she had three children.

Pat began her professional life working for the San Antonio Express and later for a community news publication as a copy artist.  She then started teaching school.  For over 30 years, she inspired countless students as an art teacher in San Antonio, sharing not only her skills but her deep appreciation for creativity and beauty.

She later met her second husband, Jean Granjean Wittliff, and enjoyed listening to big band music, and dancing… a fitting beginning for a relationship grounded in shared passions. Both educators built a life together centered around learning, and family.

After Jean’s passing, Pat retired and moved to Plano to be closer to her daughter and granddaughters. There, she found a vibrant and welcoming church home at West Plano Presbyterian Church, where she formed many meaningful friendships. She gave generously to her church and also shared her artistic talents, contributing projects such as
murals and other creative works.

Pat also enjoyed painting, playing bridge, and spending time in fellowship with friends and family.  She mostly enjoyed spending time with her family, never skipping a Sunday evening meal. Pat was known for her quick wit, kindness, and generous heart. She approached life
with enthusiasm, and creativity.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Marie and Robert Nelson; her husbands, William Collins Neely and Jean Granjean Wittliff; her stepmother, Ardis Nelson; and her beloved daughter, Laura Ruth Neely, and many friends.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Neely Dwyer, her husband Shawn Dwyer and Michael Patrick Neely and his wife Julie Neely; and her granddaughters, Blair Marie Dwyer, Kelley Michelle Dwyer, and Shaleigh Elizabeth Neely.  She is also survived by Jean’s two
daughters, Jeanette Wittliff Richardson, Rachel Bernard and many friends.

Pat will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, creativity, faith, and generosity will live on in the many lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Operation Kindness, a no kill animal shelter in North Texas in her honor. Celebration of Life for Pat will be announced at a later date.