Patricia Anne

Gantt

Patricia Anne “Patt” Gantt, 91, of Waco, whose voice carried hymns through Central Texas churches for decades, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Waco.

Patt was born June 25, 1935, in Chandler, Oklahoma, to Victor Irving Cotner and Melva Marie (Robison) Cotner. Her family moved often during her early childhood, but she spent her formative years in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Even as a young girl, two loves defined her: music and animals. She graduated from high school in Wewoka in 1953 and, on July 18 of that year, married Charles Wesley Gantt. Their marriage would span 73 years.

Patt devoted much of her life to making a home and raising their three children. Once they were grown, she pursued interests of her own, building a career in real estate, taking on projects in journalism, and becoming involved in civic activities. She was a charter member of the Hutto Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Williamson County Business Women’s Association and a longtime member of the Hutto “Tuesday Club.” She supported numerous educational endeavors, helped organize weekend events for her high school reunions, and became President of the Hutto Parent Teacher Club.

However, it was music, and the faith behind it, that remained at the heart of her life. From an early age, Patt loved to sing, dedicating her voice to the Lord’s work and to encouraging others. An accomplished soloist, she sang in church choirs wherever she lived and considered her singing her “vocal testimony.” “I pledged my voice to the Lord,” she said. She never wanted her singing to draw attention to herself, but rather to Him, a devotion that was evident to those who heard her.

Over the years, Patt was a member of Highland Baptist Church in Waco and Windsor Park Baptist Church in Austin. She was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Georgetown, later known as Main Street Baptist Church. She served for many years as music leader at Brushy Creek Baptist Church at Normans Crossing.

Patt is survived by her husband, Charles W. Gantt; her three children, Teresa Gold (Craig), Cindy Cervenka, and Tony Gantt (Debbie); her six grandchildren, Hayley Stanton (Luke), Kaitlyn Kavanagh (Erik), Hannah Cervenka (West Ryan), Abigail Cervenka, Jack Gantt, and Dan Gantt; her seven great-grandchildren, Everly, Carrington, Archer, Callan, Lincoln, Glen, and Harvey; her brother, Victor Irving Cotner II; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vic and Melva Cotner; her son-in-law, Dan F. Cervenka; her sister-in-law, Pat Cox Cotner; and her nephew, Patrick Cotner.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco, with Bret Haas, pastor of First Baptist Church in Jarrell, Texas, officiating. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Tony Gantt, Jack Gantt, Dan Gantt, Luke Stanton, Erik Kavanagh, and West Ryan.

The family extends sincere thanks to the medical professionals at Ascension Providence Hospital, and especially to the hospice caregivers whose compassionate service filled Patt’s final days with comfort and dignity.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an animal rescue organization of one’s choice. 

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