Patricia Ann Courts

September 21, 1946 - August 21, 2015

Patricia Ann Courts, 68, passed away on August 21, 2015 after a long illness. She was born on September 21, 1946 in San Marcos, Texas to William Precious Burleson and Vetie Azel Manjang. Patricia attended Southwest Texas University, in San Marcos, Texas and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. She also attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and received a Masters of Arts degree in Guidance Counseling. Patricia found her own true love, William Lee Courts and married in 1968 in San Marcos, Texas. They were happily married for 47 years and from this union, three children were born; Charisa LaVon Jenkins, Dr. Sonia Michelle Rice and Terence JaVon Courts. Patricia Courts was a beloved teacher for Ecorse Public Schools. She served as Music Teacher and Guidance Counselor. She retired after 34 years of service. Patricia loved to worship through music. As an active member of Union Second Baptist Church, she served as the musician for the youth choir. She also coordinated a traveling Show Choir and Concert Choir for the students of Ecorse Public Schools. Patricia was preceded in death by father, William Precious Burleson; mother, Vetie Azel Manjang; brothers: Clarence Cephas, Carl Dean Burleson and William Lewis Burleson, IV, sisters: Clara Burleson and Bernice Burleson and long-time friend, Rosa Benford. She leaves to cherish husband and best friend, William Courts; children: Charisa (Antoine) Jenkins of Atlanta, Georgia; Dr. Sonia Rice of Indianapolis, Indiana; Terence Courts of Taylor, Michigan; brothers: Rufus Burleson of San Antonio, Texas, Frank Burleson of San Marcos, Texas, Larry (Olga) Manjang of Gardenia, California and Bruce (Hattie) Manjang of Ecorse, Michigan; sisters: Corrine Burleson of San Antonio, Texas and Inez Carrington of San Antonio, Texas, Her grandchildren: Stephen Rice, Sydnye Courts and Shaniyah Courts; special friend, Alean Nixon and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.