Patricia Ricks was born on April 14,1950, in Yokohama, Japan to the late Army Sergeant Luther James Barnett and Tamako Yamagawa Barnett. She stayed in Japan at the family homestead of her mother where she lived with her grandfather and his siblings.

At the age of five (wearing her bright red shoes from her grandmother) her father brought Pat and her mother back to the States on a cruise ship to live permanently. They were on the ship for two weeks and landed in Seattle, Washington, and then took a train to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. There she first met her grandmother (Eva Dunlap “Gransy”) and uncle (William Sterling). They moved to her grandmother Gransy’s house in Camden, New Jersey.

Pat attended the Camden School System; Feather Elementary School, Whitaker School, Hatch Junior High and then graduated from Camden High School. She attended St. Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina and received a B.A. in Physical Education and Health grades K-12. She taught 6th grade in Tarboro, North Carolina for 1 year.

Pat came back to New Jersey and lived in Clayton and Glassboro. She married Arlester Ricks (her college sweetheart), and they had one son, Yareem Ricks. To continue Pat’s career in teaching a good friend, Gilbert Lyons, mentioned that the new Middle School in Lawnside, New Jersey was interviewing for new staff. She was hired and worked there as the Physical Education/Health teacher for 40 years. Pat’s career was marked by excellence and dedication. She was beloved by students, parents, and staff. Pat was admired for her professionalism, leadership, and kindness toward her students and colleagues. She was very involved in Lawnside Public School activities; Safety Patrol and D.A.R.E. Leader; Gymnastics Program; Children of Destiny Dance Group; Vice President/President of Lawnside School Teachers Association; National Junior Honor Society Advisor (College Tours); and “Teacher of the Year”.

Pat lived her life with purpose, joy, and grace. Her faith in God was the cornerstone of her life. She attended Bryant’s Temple in Glassboro, NJ. She then joined Faith Tabernacle Community Church under the leadership of Bishop Horace Pritchett. There she was involved in many ministries; Missionary (Haiti/Dominican Republic); Vice President of Hospitality; Stage Production with Youth and Adult Programs. Decorating church floats for Clayton Annual Christmas Parade (which won 1st place for 15 years); Annual High Tea decorations; and Prayer Breakfast.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son Yareem Ricks, and loving daughter in-law Iva, grandson Tyree, granddaughter Mariyah, great grandson Sincere, loving family, Angie, Aunt Shirley, Ivy, Albert, Gabbrielle, Tish, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, church family, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness and light.