Patricia Ann Schooler, peacefully departed this life on March 27, 2024, in Roanoke, VA. Born on June 22, 1945, in Kentucky, she was the cherished daughter of the late Imogene Woods and Robert Sykes.

Patricia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Schooler, her loving son, Kenny Turner, her brother, Sammy Sykes, and her son-in-law, Jeff Reed.

While working and raising a family, Patricia worked diligently to complete her education and fulfilled her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. She imparted knowledge to her students through patience, adaptability, creativity, and her engaging teaching style. Often referred to as the real-life Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus, Patricia inspired students to embrace new experiences and to view learning as an exciting adventure. She encouraged them to take chances and to never be afraid of making mistakes for these were essential parts of life both in and outside of the classroom. She served as a mentor to students both during and after school and she never gave up on them even when they had given up on themselves. Once at a little league baseball game, she was approached by a former student who was now a young man with children of his own. He said "Mrs. Schooler, you may not remember me, but I'll never forget you. Even when I wanted to quit, you never quit on me and you're the reason I can read." Patricia leaves behind a legacy of learning that extends beyond generations and classroom walls. She not only instilled wisdom in her students, but she helped to shape their values and served as a source of inspiration throughout the rest of their lives.

Patricia loved horseback riding, beautiful spring days, and falling rain. She could often be heard singing a special tune either alone while doing the dishes or to others to cheer them up. At times, she would spontaneously break out into a little dance in the middle of the room just to put a smile on the faces of those watching. Her spirit and love for life was infectious and she passed that along to her greatest love, her children and grandchildren. Patricia was a mom with a firm hand but the softest of hearts. She taught her children to be brave, strong, adventurous, loyal, kind, grateful, to do the next right thing, to pray, and to always believe in magic. She taught them to look for fairies in a spring meadow, to chase fireflies and wish on shooting stars, to use imagination and make-believe to brighten the darkest day, and to absolutely believe in unicorns.

Patricia had the ability to bring joy and comfort to those around her just by being near. With the most kind and grateful heart, she spread love and hope to everyone who was blessed to know her. She was the light that you were searching for in the darkness. She will be missed forever here on Earth but oh how much brighter Heaven must have been the day God called her home.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted daughters, Vickie Moor (Douglas Burns), Sheena Reed (George Livingston), and Dreama Schooler (Johnny Nicely). She also leaves behind her dear brother, Robert "Bug" Sykes (Jenny), her daughter-in-law, Denyse Turner, along with a host of grandchildren, including Kelton Bridgar, Joey Moor (Heather), Starleena Moor, Skylandra Moor, Jonathan Brown, Stormy Brown, Joey Leach, and Josh Leach, as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held to honor Patricia's life on April 1, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a service on April 2, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Bluebell Cemetery.

Patricia will forever be remembered for her kindness, love, and the cherished memories she leaves behind with all who had the privilege of knowing her.