Patricia Lynn Bertram

Patricia Lynn Jeffress Bertram, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Monday morning, September 14, 2026, surrounded by those who loved her most. She was 78 years old.

Pat was born November 28, 1947, to Roy Douglas and Oretha Maines Jeffress of Carthage, Texas. On April 13, 1968, she married the love of her life, Rodney Harris Bertram. For more than 58 years, they shared a life together—raising their daughters, watching their family grow, welcoming five grandchildren, and, in Pat’s case, apparently deciding every few years that it might be time for a new house.

Pat was the proud mother of two daughters, Cammy Altman of Longview, Texas, and Courtney Shelton and her husband, Jeff Shelton, of Allen, Texas. But perhaps one of the roles she treasured most was that of grandmother. She absolutely adored her five grandchildren: Josh Altman, Jared Altman, Owen Altman, Alex Shelton, and Townes Shelton. They were among the greatest joys of her life, and she loved them fiercely and without reservation.

For many years, Pat devoted herself to education, teaching kindergarten through fifth grade at elementary schools throughout East Texas. In the upper elementary grades, she especially enjoyed teaching English and language arts. She was a kind and caring teacher who believed in her students and held them to high standards because she knew what they were capable of achieving. Over the course of her career, she touched the lives of countless children, leaving behind lessons that reached far beyond the classroom.

Pat’s enormous heart also led her to work with adults with special needs. Whether she was teaching a child to read, encouraging a student to do their very best, or caring for an adult who needed a little extra patience and understanding, helping others was simply part of who she was.

Pat was a longtime member of the Church of Christ, and her faith remained an important and guiding part of her life.

Pat loved deeply, and she made sure the people she loved knew it. No matter how old you were or how far you were going, she wanted you to call when you got there safely. It was one of the countless small ways she cared for her family—a simple request that said, “You matter to me. I’m thinking about you. I need to know you’re okay.” Those who loved her would give anything to be able to make that call to her one more time.

She loved all things sparkly and believed there was always room for a little more shine. No season delighted Pat quite like Christmas. It brought together so many of the things she loved most—family, celebration, giving, decorating, and, of course, plenty of sparkle.

Pat was also famously fond of a fresh start—particularly when it came with a new address. She loved moving houses and rarely seemed interested in staying in one place for too long. It became one of those wonderfully distinctive things about her that her family will always remember with a smile.

More than anything, Pat will be remembered for the size of her heart. She loved her family wholeheartedly, and the people she loved never had to wonder how much they meant to her. Her life was filled with the people she treasured, and her love will continue to live in the family she leaves behind.

Pat is survived by her husband of more than 58 years, Rodney Harris Bertram; her daughters, Cammy Altman of Longview, Texas and Courtney Shelton and her husband, Jeff Shelton, of Allen, Texas; her grandchildren, Josh Altman, Jared Altman, Owen Altman, Alex Shelton, and Townes Shelton; and her siblings, Dean Jeffress of Tyler, Texas, Camie Davis of Carthage, Texas, and Macy Johnson of Gary, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Oretha Jeffress of Carthage, Texas; her sister, Jean Boothe; and her son-in-law, Jim Altman.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Walton Cemetery with Rev. Steve Jackson officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. 

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.