Honoring Patty Mozley

Ms. Mozley was the first elementary school teacher I had who I felt actually saw who I was. She didn't try to make me fit into a tidy box. She helped me discover, cultivate, and become confident in the positive traits that made me a unique, contributing individual. I loved her. I loved her warm, accepting energy. I loved the Spring plays -- I can remember what number we performed in every one. What an ambitious undertaking!

This is so difficult to write because it is so hard to believe Patty is gone .I was so fortunate to work with patty during my time as a board member and Chairman of the board. During my time as Chairman the school went thru enormous change. Patty was a partner in that change becoming the head of admissions. We were making a big gamble that building a new lower school renovating the existing school and building a new gym would be an investment in the future of The Walker School. With the board agreeing to make these changes enrollment would be the key to that success. It was Patty who made that a reality. Enrollment increased but she made sure that it was the right enrollment a diverse enrollment. Her success is a big part of Walker's success today. I Loved Patty Mozley she was my colleague and my friend. No one better epitomized the needlepoint that hung in the lobby "Love Spoken Here" better than Patty. May her memory be a blessing to all.

When I think of Patty Mozley, I see her big smile; always a big, warm, welcoming smile on that beautiful face. My fondest and most distinct Walker memory is from interview day for Pre-K. Spencer and I showed up, and the interviewers were Patty and Gail. Two boys sat in the lobby of the main entrance awaiting their interviews, both named Spencer, coincidentally. Patty came first to greet her interviewee, with that big smile, kind voice, flowing, floral skirt, strappy sandals, and soft & bouncy, brown hair. She requested Spencer, both boys stood up. She added Spencer P., both boys remained standing. She then said the last name. Off trotted the "other" Spencer with Patty down the hall, holding hands with a bounce in both their steps, the mother smiling widely and proudly as Patty greeted the boy with a "Good afternoon and welcome to The Walker School. Are you ready to have some fun?” The other Spencer responded, "Good afternoon to you, mam. Yes, I am. Very pleased to meet you!" My eyes went large, my heart sank, and a million thoughts crossed my mind such as " Boy are we in trouble." Ha! A few minutes later, Gail Doss came to pick up her interviewee, Spencer Parrish; my Spencer. He looked so sharp in his little corduroys, his button-down shirt, and his argyle sweater vest, all a camouflage for the playful and active boy underneath. Gail greeted him and requested he go with her. Spencer looked at me and whispered, “Mom, I think we are in trouble!” Literally cracked me up! I said, sweet boy, go with the nice lady, and introduce yourself to her; go play! A few minutes later, Gail returns to the lobby without Spencer. Patty only returned with the boy in hand. I asked if there was a problem and Gail said, “No, I like to see what they will do while alone. He is drawing a picture of himself.” GREAT! I thought. Ha! I quizzed Spencer on the way home as to how it went. “GREAT!” What did you do? “A picture of myself with hair and a shirt and blue eyes, and pants, and shoes. It was perfect.” What did you do when she left? When I finished drawing, I played with the toys in the room, but I cleaned them up. Again, I thought GREAT!!!! In April, we received our letter from Walker. We were not accepted. The letter was from Patty Mozley, Director of Admissions. Her explanation, a “busy a boy.” During a call, she suggested that boys change very quickly and settle down, so please reapply next year. Spencer was only four. We did reapply, but to several schools that year. We were accepted at three but chose The Walker School. I so appreciated the personal call from Patty when Spencer was accepted. She knew children well, and she was so kind understanding my disappointment from our conversation the prior year. Patty, also, greeted Spencer his first day of kindergarten at drop-off, probably only a coincidence, but such a welcomed welcoming coincidence. I have shared the picture I took that morning on this page. Patty Mozley, you are a one-of-a-kind inspiration to so many. Your legacy lives on in those you touched, especially within my friend, Erin Sinclair, who reflects all your wonderful qualities; kind, loving, warm, with a beautiful smile. You will be missed by many. From where you are, please keep a look out for our kiddos as they head off to college in the Fall. With love and admiration, Lisa Parrish

Ms. Mozley was the first person my parents and I met at Walker during the 8th grade open house. She was such a warm, welcoming, and kind person. From that day on, we always knew that there was something very special about Walker. Ms. Mozley will truly be missed by all of us, but her spirit will always remain with us. Thanks for all you did for us at Walker Ms. Mozley. God bless and please continue to keep watch over us.

Mrs. Mozley had such a significant impact on me. She was filled with light and life, and she is who I wanted to be when I grew up! As a third grader, she made school come to life for me. As a child who loved to perform, she was the most important person in lower school, bringing the Spring Play to life each year (maybe my favorite moment of the year). Patty Mozley is the reason I am an educator, no doubt. She engendered confidence and courage, she encouraged compassion for everyone in the class, and she made learning joyful. Her mark on me is lasting, and I will forever be grateful to her for loving me, encouraging me to perform, and loving the entire Daniell family long after our years at Walker. Thank God for Patty Mozley in my life and in the life of the school.

Truly a great person. Our entire family grieves with yours, but Heaven has gained a superstar. Rest In Peace Patty

Like so many who chose Walker as their school family, my first experience was with Patty as the Admissions director. To say I was blown away is an understatement. It was not just her amazing ability to convey the spirit and mission of The Walker School - it was her own personal style, warmth and commitment that won me over. It was always a joy to speak with her and she inspired a trust that won many parents over and helped create the wonderful Walker family that we have treasured and our children have thrived within. I wish her family peace in the knowledge of so many families who loved and treasured her.

I loved Patty. She loved poetry. She had a good heart. We miss her so much. Elizabeth and Dan Stubblefield

A Tribute to My Friend and Teacher, Patty Mozley I found out yesterday that my third-grade teacher, Patty Mozley, passed away. Having known her for the past 50 years it has left a large void in my life and in our world. Her legacy at The Walker School and the impact she had on every student and family there will not be forgotten. Ms. Mozley’s fiery red-hair and her energy, passion, and joyful spirit was evident to everyone she met. Her presence at Walker helped make the school the excellent learning institution it is. She was real. Patty Mozley was a real teacher. She loved her students fiercely. She loved reading. She loved drama. She combined these passions to model what a reader can be. As a third grader I remember her read-a-louds every day after recess. We laid on the creaky wooden floor in a classroom with no air-conditioning, with faces blushed from having run around on the playground, and with only the transoms open to let a bit of air flow around us. She would read from Peter Pan, Tom Sawyer, Uncle Remus, and The Velveteen Rabbit. She would use vocal inflection to portray every character. We would huddle around her rocking chair and listen as she made each character come to life in our imagination. She was teaching us about the importance of reading and books, and her excited example meant everything to each listener. Ms. Mozley was about real relationships. She had an incredible talent for remembering people’s names and connecting them to others. She knew your parents and sibling’s names. She also loved to make connections with her students. In third grade Patty had a weekly plan to let her students know how much she cared about them. On many Fridays, Ms. Mozley would choose a pair of students to take home with her for a few hours. It made every student feel as if they were the most important person in her life. We would ride in her light blue convertible to the square in Marietta and make a stop at Eddie’s Trick Shop. They had yummy popcorn and Patty let you choose your favorite flavor (mine was cheese). Sometimes it was a stop at Hunt’s Ice Cream for a treat. She would take you to her apartment that was behind the Marietta Vocational/Technical School. I believe I remember them as the Magnolia Apartments. She introduced you to her dog, named “Dog” and together with Patty, students would walk Dog around the neighborhood chatting and sharing. The afternoon would finish with a board game or card game and Ms. Mozley would drive you home. As we rode, snacked, walked, and played Ms. Mozley communicated through word and action that she cared. Patty Mozley was a real inspiration. I think from the time I was in third grade I aspired to be a teacher like Ms. Mozley. I know that Patty’s influence was paramount in my decision to become an educator. I have taught 28 years and Patty has been the standard by which I measure my own teaching. I ask myself questions like, “Are you excited and animated about what you are teaching like Patty was?”, “Do you know your students and their families personally and do they know you care like Patty?”, and “Are you finding a way to meet each child where they are in their educational journey like Ms. Mozley did?”. As her student, I could not help but idolize how beautiful she was inside and out. She would often hold me accountable for my talkative behavior and write notes on my report card to my parents. I quickly got that under control so as not to disappoint her. Patty made a life-long commitment to really love you. As I stood at my father’s funeral service to sing, I looked out into the congregation to see Ms. Mozley sitting tall and encouraging me with her smile. She was there when my mom passed. Ms. Patty Mozley was “real.” I’ll end with a quote from The Velveteen Rabbit: “What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?” “Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” Thank you, Patty for being real to me and for allowing me to love you for a long, long time. You will never be forgotten! Kim Oden '81

My first memory with Ms. Mozley was when she assessed me for admissions. I was only 6 years old and I will never forget how she calmed me. She made me feel so smart, like I belonged there. And then she made me excited to learn there. She was probably the kindest educator and so aware of what the children needed. I won't lie, I don't remember a lot of my teachers at Walker, but she will forever be the first encounter and the most memorable one in my heart. Education may have lost a pioneer, but she has definitely left a legacy at Walker.