Patricia Jeanne Potts

Oklahoma philanthropist and early childhood development advocate Pat Potts passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family August 20 at the age of 92 after a long career of public service. Together with her husband, Ray (1932-2024), and their family, Pat left a legacy that will reach far into the future.

Patricia Jeanne Murphy was born May 20, 1933, in Ames, Iowa to Lindon and Genevieve (Crane) Murphy. Pat has three younger sisters – Phyllis, Louise and Willow. Their father, a civil engineering professor at Iowa State University and their mother, an early childhood education teacher, impressed upon their daughters the importance of family, faith, education, hard work and servant leadership – all qualities that Pat took with her into both her personal and professional lives.

A trailblazer from a young age, Pat studied political science at the University of Missouri and was one of the first women to be accepted into their law school, which she started concurrently with her undergraduate work. In college, she met Ray Potts, and they married in 1955 following her senior year. Pat later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1980. The couple moved briefly to Spokane, WA, where Ray was stationed for pilot training school with the U.S. Air Force. They returned to Missouri in 1957, where their first son, Steve, was born, and Ray completed his graduate degree in geology.

In 1959, Ray’s job took them to Oklahoma City, where they set roots and welcomed three more children over the next decade. Pat focused on homemaking and raising their children – Mark was born in 1959 and Larry in 1962 – while Ray earned a law degree in 1965 and soon after formed the family’s petroleum company, Potts-Stephenson Exploration Company (PSEC), in 1967. Daughter Paula completed the family in 1970. Pat then began what would become an iconic philanthropy-driven career, which started when she was elected PTA President at Sunset Elementary School.

Raised by educators and dedicated to helping Oklahoma’s children thrive, Pat’s volunteerism in the school system was far more than a hobby; she was driven by a passion for what could be better. By 1972, Pat was elected vice president of the Oklahoma City PTA, and in 1977 she made history by being elected the first female president of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board.

In 1980, Pat and Ray took steps that would impact Oklahoma’s philanthropic environment forever. First, they founded the organization known today as the Potts Family Foundation. With the mission of providing support for sustainable early childhood initiatives and nonprofit capacity building, the Foundation is a leader in bringing together businesses, nonprofits, state agencies, legislators and other foundations to enhance the wellbeing of Oklahoma’s children, focusing on early childhood development.

In 1981, Pat and Ray founded what is now known as the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. Pat served as the Center’s first CEO for two decades, providing focused, hands-on education and resources. Pat’s incredible vision, dedication and expertise led to what is now one of the nation’s leading nonprofit state associations of its kind.

Pat and Ray worked to impact the people their beloved nonprofits served – Oklahomans in need, especially children.

Pat served in board and leadership positions for the OKC Zoo and OKC Beautiful – for both of which she was the first woman elected board president – Educare, Sunbeam Family Services, YMCA, Union Bank & Trust Company, Urban League, Indian Nations Presbytery and Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was a proud member of Leadership Oklahoma Class IX and Rotary Club 29.

Pat was known as an outgoing person and natural leader both in professional and personal settings. She loved her family, and she loved to have fun. She enjoyed traveling and was known for her affection for the water stemming back to childhood, diving into a pool whenever she had the chance. She taught countless children how to swim over the years.

She was easy to celebrate, reflecting the warmth and kindness that her life’s work would suggest. She was named Woman of the Year by the Journal Record (2012), inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame and awarded Leadership Oklahoma’s Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other honors. She also received a number of recognitions alongside her husband, including but not limited to the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation Wall of Fame.

Pat is remembered by many dear friends and family, as well as by the thousands who have been impacted by her charitable work. Survivors include Ray and Pat Potts’ four children, Steve (Kathy) and Mark of Oklahoma City, Larry (Susan) of Norman, Okla. and Paula (Charles Ash and son, Caden). Pat was also loved by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who live in Oklahoma, Colorado and Texas, including Mike (Darci) Potts and son, Wyatt; Chris (Hannah) Potts; David Potts; Jessica (Corey) Huston and daughters Harper and Murphy; Wade (Hannah) Potts and children, Jackson and Emma; Paige Potts Beal and son, Ben; and Daniel (Tiffany) Burton and Joey Burton. She is also survived by her three sisters and many loving nieces and nephews.

A public celebration of Pat’s life will be held Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel Ave. in Oklahoma City. A reception will follow immediately at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, 701 N. Lindsay Ave., also in Oklahoma City.

In lieu of flowers, the Potts family encourages donations to Oklahoma nonprofits to help spread the impact of Pat’s legacy.

To view service: https://wpcokc.org/livestream