A caring, dedicated and beautiful soul winged its way to heaven on Aug. 6, 2016.

Patricia Pierce Dartez of Lafayette fought the battle and was awarded entrance to heaven as the prize.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Lafayette. Father Brian Taylor, who is also one of Patricia’s former students, officiated at the funeral service.

Patricia was born in Bogalusa, the eldest child of Roye and Joyce Yevonne Pierce. After graduating from Bogalusa High School, Pat went on to Southeastern University and then to the University of Southwestern (UL), where she earned advanced degrees in the field of education. After one year of teaching in Angie, she began her tenure at Arnaudville High, first as a junior and senior English teacher and drama coach, and then became assistant principal and eventually principal when Arnaudville became an elementary school.

She loved the school and its students, as was obvious by her hard work and dedication, which garnered her school the top grade-point average in the parish for numerous years running. She was chosen Outstanding Principal in St. Landry Parish and the runner-up in the state. She often spoke of having taught children and eventually grandchildren of some of her early students.

Pat is survived by her husband, Ronald J. Dartez; as well as her mother and two sisters, Susan Berney and husband Bill from Shreveport, and Robin Thibodeaux and husband Glenn from Lafayette. She is also survived by one niece and four nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Roye Pierce; and her brother, Michael Roye Pierce.

In keeping with Pat’s wishes, a “Helping Hand Award” fund has been established and each year a needy student will be chosen to receive this award. With that in mind, donations should be sent to Helping Hands Award at St. Landry National Bank in Arnaudville.

Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge was in charge of arrangements.

To view the online obituary, sign the guestbook and see the video tribute, visit online at www.pellerinfuneralhome.com.