Patricia “Ann” Allen grew up in Nacogdoches, Texas—less than half a mile from where we gather for the Aviators Ball.

She attended Nacogdoches schools and later graduated from nursing school, dedicating her life to caring for others. Throughout her career, she served the Lufkin community before retiring from Lufkin Industries. For many years, she was affectionately known as “Nurse Ann,” a title that reflected both her profession and her compassionate spirit.

Ann was raised in a family that valued education, hard work, and service. Her father, Dr. James I Allen, practiced medicine in Nacogdoches for more than 40 years. Her mother, Patricia Pattison Allen, was the trailblazer of the family—raising four children, working alongside her husband in his medical practice, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and teaching at Stephen F. Austin State University.

Patricia demonstrated her commitment to helping others by supporting a young professional at the very beginning of her career in the investment industry. Recognizing both her potential and the challenges women often face in traditionally male-dominated fields, Patricia made the intentional decision to invest in her future.

That young woman has since become one of the most successful investment brokers in Texas. Patricia’s early belief in her abilities not only helped launch a remarkable career but also reflected her broader conviction that when women are given opportunity, encouragement, and support, they are fully capable of achieving extraordinary success.

   Through her mother Patricia, Ann inherited a deep commitment to faith, perseverance, and lifelong learning.  This same spirit of intentional investment in promising women is the foundation upon which this scholarship is built.

She was also part of a long line of strong women who faithfully cared for their families while quietly advocating for opportunity and advancement for others. Before her mother’s passing in 2020, Ann was her constant support and source of strength. Then, in 2022—just two years later—Ann herself passed away.

Yet this is not the end of the story. It is where the legacy truly begins.

Ann wanted nothing more for her children and grandchildren than two simple but powerful things: to love Jesus and to pursue their education with as little debt as possible. She believed deeply in both faith and opportunity.

Before her passing, Ann was especially excited about the launch of the aviation program at Stephen F. Austin State University. She was proud that “little ole Nac” would offer such an extraordinary opportunity. What she could not have known was that just months after her passing, her own

granddaughter would become a Flying Jack—carrying forward Ann’s values of faith, determination, and achievement.