Patricia Sterling Obituary

Patricia Sterling, age 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at her home in Bryan, Texas, with her family by her side. She was born on October 5, 1938, in Edinburg, Texas, to Winfred and Lela Turner. She graduated from Edinburg High School in 1957, where she was in the National Honor Society, served as a head captain of the Sergeanettes as a twirler, and was voted “Most Vivacious.”

Patricia married Winfield Sterling on June 24, 1961. Their first son, James, was born in Edinburg. They later moved to College Station, where Winfield pursued a Ph.D. in entomology and began his career as a professor at Texas A&M University. Brian and Ellen were born in nearby Bryan, and during those years, Patricia devoted herself to raising her family, finding deep fulfillment in her role as a loving wife and mother.

Patricia and Winfield’s thirst for travel began when Winfield was invited to work and lecture in countries around the world. The family moved to Brisbane, Australia, for a year and spent a summer in Campina Grande, Brazil, when the kids were teenagers. Patricia also accompanied Winfield to China, where he presented his cotton insect modeling research, and together they visited Xi’an and the Great Wall. 

As their children grew older, Patricia worked as a secretary at A&M United Methodist Church. After Winfield took early retirement, the couple sold their home, simplified their belongings, and embraced life on the road in a motorhome. Over the years, they traveled to every U.S. state, all but one Canadian province, and all 32 states of Mexico. They also toured Europe from Norway through Central Europe, later reuniting with family in Ireland and continuing on through Wales, England, and Scotland.

After 10 years of nomadic life, they built a home on their 20-acre property outside of Bryan, began to garden, grow a fruit orchard, and carve and maintain trails through the woodlands. Winfield affectionately called this “Pat’s National Park.”They enjoyed peaceful country living and continued taking shorter trips in a smaller motorhome. While they were still able to travel easily, Patricia and Winfield regularly drove to California and Maryland to visit their children and grandchildren. They always welcomed family visits, and Patricia especially treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and her first great-grandchild, Remi, during the final months of her life.

Patricia was known for her quiet kindness, gentle spirit, and deep devotion to her family – and to her beloved dog, Tiger.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Winfield Lincoln Sterling; son, James David Sterling and wife Shenda; son, Brian Winfield Sterling and wife Frances; daughter, Ellen Sterling Bonta and husband Tony; grandchildren, Auston, Kynwyn, Koby, Preston, Jaden, and Kira; and great-granddaughter, Remi.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, John Turner and James Turner.

The graveside service will be private; however, friends are invited to her Celebration of Life at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Sterling Family Cemetery.