Patricia Lathan-Harkless

A native of North Carolina and Michigan, she received her Bachelor of Science from Winston-Salem State University - Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Master of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University- Rochester, Michigan and Educational Specialist from Wayne State University - Detroit, Michigan.

Sister Pat retired after serving thirty-seven (37) years in education having taught Reading through twelve grade. She was a Reader for Holt Rinehart and Winston Publishers INC (New York, NY), Forward Bound Instructor (Oakland University - Rochester, MI), Plato Lab Coordinator/Relief Administrator, adviser for the National Educational Association (Mooresville City Schools - Mooresville, NC), Conflict Resolution Analyst, Department Chair , Teacher, Adult Education Instructor (Pontiac City Schools - Pontiac, MI) and served as Student Advocate for the Federal Government.

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha INC, Phi Delta Kappa, and an active member of Antioch Christian Fellowship. Having served as Greeter, Donation Chair for Antioch Arms, Chair for Adorning Ministry, Welcome Phone Caller, Chair for Hats and Pastels Brunch, Leadership Ministry, A.N.G.E.L. (Antioch Nurturing Girls & Empowering Leaders) - Etiquette Instructor, Events Leasing Agent, Senior Saints, plus served with numerous committees.

A recipient of Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Theta Lambda Omega Alpha Kappa Alpha Award, numerous Michigan and North Carolina educational local and Federal grants, plus award for Writer and Developer of S.U.M.S. (Students Undertaking the Middle School concept).

Traveling and gardening now fill her days. Her most exciting and rewarding trip was visiting Jerusalem and actually seeing the cities, kneeling in Jesus' tomb, going to the Jordan River and following the path Jesus had walked and peached.

Sister Pat is married to her best friend, Burkley Harkless, Sr. Her family includes son Sean, daughter-in-law Karen, stepchildren Zsalette and husband Steve, Burk Jr. and wife Pam, Byron and wife Lisa, Brandon, and Brionne and husband Nathan. Grandchildren Caleb and Jacob Lathan, Adia and Maya Harkless, and London Reeves, plus her spiritual daughters and their families Deborah and Rod Brown, Denise and Ricky Basher, Quibilah Rabsatt, Cookie and Carlos Hudson.