Dr Patricia Jean Burchfield

Patricia Jean Crosby Burchfield, July 24, 1930 – March 30, 2022 Patricia Jean Crosby Burchfield of Mobile, 91, a native of Bay Minette whose hometown was Foley, Ala., died Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at her home in Mobile, Ala., surrounded by her family. Dr. Burchfield held a doctorate in math education from Auburn University, awarded in 1989. She was a member of the inaugural graduating class of the University of South Alabama in 1967 and earned her master’s degree there in 1976. In 1990, Dr. Burchfield received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching from President George H.W. Bush. In 1992, she was named an Outstanding Auburn University Graduate, celebrating “100 Years of Women at Auburn.” She held national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in teaching mathematics to adolescents and young adults. Dr. Burchfield taught at many area schools, including Philips Middle School, K.J. Clark Middle School, Murphy High School, and the University of South Alabama. She taught many advanced-level mathematics classes. In addition to her work in mathematics, she was known for her writing, including poetry and prose, and was the winner of several poetry contests. Dr. Burchfield was a member of Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile and a long-time communicant of the Episcopal Church. Dr. Burchfield was preceded in death by her father, Marshall W. Crosby; her mother, Vieva Chason Crosby, both members of pioneering Baldwin County families; her infant sister, Gwynne Chason Crosby; her husband, W.M. “Sonny” Burchfield; and her daughter, Vieva Ellen Steele. She is survived by five children, Erin Lakeman Keniston of Huntsville, Jean Lakeman (David) Helms of Daphne, Amelia Mary Lakeman of Mobile, Anne Lakeman (Joey) Wofford of Robertsdale, and Thomas Crosby Lakeman of Burbank, Calif.; her step-daughter, Renea Burchfield Darby of Huntsville; 10 grandchildren, Robert C. (Siddhary) Olsen III, Laurelin (Patrick) Waites, Matthew C. (Annie) Steele, AnneMarie (Brian) Grayburn, Gwynne (Ian) Springer, Kerry (David) Komai, Julia Wofford, Mary (Michael) Sammartino, Emily Elizabeth Drain, and Karen (Walter) Hubley; 19 great-grandchildren. Services will be held Sunday at Christ Church Cathedral, 115 S. Conception St., Mobile, Ala. with a visitation at 1 p.m. and the service to follow at 2 p.m. Arrangements are by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley, Ala. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church Cathedral Endowment or the Mobile SPCA, 620 Zeigler Cir. W, Mobile, AL 36608.

Dr Patricia Jean Burchfield

July 24, 1930 - March 30, 2022