PATRICIA L. HARRIS
October 29, 1942 - April 28, 2022
Patricia “Pat” Lawson Harris died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at home in Houston, Texas. Mrs. Harris was seventy-nine years of age and was surrounded by her caregivers, her long-time household staff, Mr. and Mrs. Santos Martinez, and her loving pets, Cleo and Charlie.
Mrs. Harris was born on October 29, 1942 to Sadie and Rene Lawson in Laredo, Texas. Her parents shared careers with the United
States Immigration Service at the border prior to their retirement and relocation to Houston.
Growing up with her parents and siblings, Geraldina “Jerry” Lawson and Rene Lawson, Pat attended St. Peter’s Catholic School and Ursuline Academy, where she excelled in academia and dramatic arts.
Pat was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin, and ultimately graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism, and minor in Spanish, receiving multiple honors. After graduating from the University of Texas School of Journalism (now Moody School of Communication), she continued to be a frequent guest lecturer.
Pat had a long and distinguished career from the time of her graduation, with positions in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Most notably, Pat joined Gerald D. Hines Interests in Houston in 1970 until her retirement in 1988. Her title was Vice President of Corporate Communication, and she was the first woman to be hired in a professional capacity with the firm. This further distinguished her career in a business long dominated by men.
Pat was a charter member of Texas Public Relations Association and Texas Public Relations Foundation. Additionally, she was part of the creative task force to initiate the Houston Proud campaign.
Upon news of Pat’s passing, Hines published the following tribute statement: Pat worked for Gerald D. Hines Interests, now called simply Hines, from 1970 until her retirement from professional life in 1988. Hines is where she met her late husband
John A. Harris, also a senior executive at the firm. As the Vice President of Corporate Communications, she worked hand-in-hand with Gerald D. Hines in crafting the firm’s elegant approach to corporate and project branding and marketing. She was an industry pioneer in developing marketing centers and programs that successfully communicated a project’s unique vision, securing top-tier tenants who would inhabit the architecturally significant real estate upon completion. Among her many professional achievements were obtaining notable coverage in major media outlets including a stellar review of Houston’s Pennzoil Place by venerable New York Times architecture critic Ada Louise Huxtable. She will be eternally known for her keen attention to detail, impeccable taste and design sensibility.
As described above, Pat met and married the love her life while working at Hines. John A. Harris was a Texas A&M civil engineering graduate and one of the early executives with the Hines organization. Pat and John spent their married life together from 1974 until John’s death in 2008. They enjoyed and curated a lifestyle of gourmet cooking, traveling and a deep admiration for art and design. They prioritized education for all their children which included travel in Europe and Africa. They also traveled with and hosted their friends on many adventures. Pat was a noted hostess, and the pair loved entertaining in their “Tuscan Villa on the Bayou” in Houston and their whimsical beach house at Kahala Beach in Galveston.
Pat served on a number of non-profit boards, including Houston’s premier literary arts nonprofit organization, Inprint; University of Houston’s Friends of Art; as well as Friends for Life, one of many animal rescue and adoption organizations.
She was first recognized by the Houston Chronicle’s “10 Best Dressed” in 1986, a tribute to women of charitable leadership in the Houston community. She continued to be honored in this capacity over the years.
Pat is survived by her sister, Jerry Lawson, niece Melissa Kite, niece Jessica Kite, grandniece Anna; brother, Rene Lawson and wife Lora, nephew Matt Lawson and wife Blaine, and grandniece Kai.
Children from her marriage with John Harris: son John
E. Harris, granddaughter Taylor Harris; daughter
Judy Morris and husband Stephen, granddaughter, Katy Morris; son Justin Harris and wife Sophie, granddaughter Danielle Lamb and husband Gregg, granddaughter Candice Thompson and husband Cameron, granddaughter, Jacque Harris; daughter Jenny Harris and husband Denny Pierce, granddaughter Brittany Pierce; son Jason Harris and wife Terumi, granddaughter Dominique Harris, grandson Jonathan Harris, grandson Nicholas Harris; as well as many great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John A. Harris; and parents, Sadie and Rene Lawson.
A service at Rothko Chapel will be held on Saturday, June 18th at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center; The Love Molly Fund for Animals; or Planned Parenthood.
Special thanks to Lisa Cari, business manager and friend to Mrs. Harris for more than 22 years. Lastly, our family is deeply grateful for the loyal and loving service of Mr. and Mrs. Santos Martinez, who have worked for Pat and our family for nearly 40 years.