Patricia A. Smith, Ed.D. was born on January 12, 1968 in Baytown to Mary Evelyn Foy. Soon after birth, she was adopted by John B. and Theresa Arceneaux Baker.
Dr. Smith grew up in Baytown, Texas where she attended public school. She was a high achiever who graduated a year early, at age 16, from Ross S. Sterling High School. Patricia enrolled in Prairie View A&M University when she was 17 years old where she earned two degrees: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. Her passion for learning and education helped to fuel her determination to earn a Doctor of Education, Administrative and Policy Studies degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. In 2007, Dr. Smith fulfilled her dream of teaching at her Alma Mater, Prairie View A&M University, where she worked energetically until her retirement in 2017.

On March 1, 1998, Patricia married the love of her life David Rupert Smith. To this marriage one child was born Bec Nichele Smith. The extended family included two stepchildren Chanda Smith (deceased) and Derek Smith.
Dr. Smith leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memories husband, David Rupert Smith, only child, Bec Smith, one stepson, Derek Smith, three brothers, four sisters, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Dr. Patricia A. Smith Scholarship Fund at Prairie View A&M University Office of Development,
PO Box 393, Prairie View, TX 77446.