Patricia Dayson

Patricia Wilson Dayson, 83, of Vincennes, passed away at 7:27 p.m. February 4, 2014 from Cancer. She was born in Canton, Ohio on August 17, 1930. She was the daughter of Ralph Houk Wilson and Edith Skomp Wilson. Patricia married Robert Lee Dayson in Alexandria, VA on March 23, 1951 before Bob was sent overseas to Korea to serve his country. Patricia had many accomplishments. She was the first female drivers education teacher in the State of Indiana. She was also the first Monroe City High School Basketball Queen. In 2012 Patricia was named the E.M. Downey Distinguished Alumnus by the Monroe City High School Alumni Association because of her service to the community. Patricia then moved her teaching career to Vincennes Clark Junior High in 1962. There she once again changed the system. Patricia was the first to introduce competitive sports in both girls basketball and volleyball. She created the Lady Alices Basketball program. She was also instrumental in introducing first aid and CPR training to thousands of students. A few of her students went on to save others because of her teaching. She saved a student in her classroom using the Heimlich maneuver. From this action, she received a letter of commendation from United States President Ronald Reagan for saving this student's life. Patricia was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Vincennes, Order of the Eastern Star, American Association of University Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, Zeta Chapter of Indiana, Indiana Retired Teacher's Association, and Knox County Retired Teachers. She was a life long member of the Knox County Democrats. A Celebration of Patricia's Life will be conducted at Noon Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Vincennes with Rev. Paul Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the church also. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vincennes Pet Port or the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.goodwinfamilyfh.com