Pat Woodrum isn’t one to sit idle. Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Pat moved to Parsons, Kansas when she was fourteen with her sister and two brothers. She excelled at Labette County High School as a member of the band, the orchestra, and was the Drum Major in the marching band. Pat didn’t play just one musical instrument, but several, including the piano, flute and piccolo. In a pattern that would continue into adulthood, Pat filled her “free” time with activities such as tap-dancing, ballet and square-dancing.
After high school, Pat earned an associate degree from Parsons Junior College, a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State Teachers College, a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, plus a degree from the University of the South School of Theology. And she was already in love.
Pat met Clayton when she was fourteen and he was fifteen. They married at twenty and twenty-one in a large formal wedding at the First Christian Church in Parsons and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. The couple has one son, Clayton Woodrum II, and two grandsons, Clayton Woodrum III (Trey), and Taylor James Woodrum.
Pat Woodrum began her long tenure with the Tulsa City-County Library System (TCCL) in 1964. By 1976, she was Executive Director. She served as President of the state and national library associations before retiring in 1996. Not one to sit around in retirement, Pat ran for the Oklahoma State Senate District 35 in 1996, but it wasn’t meant to be.
Instead, that same year, Pat and three others decided to develop a large botanic garden. Pat was the volunteer Executive Director. Clayton, who still serves on the Board, volunteered as the CFO and, with an attorney colleague, authored the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws. The first official address of the botanic garden was the Woodrum home on South Lewis.
The garden project drew the support of the community. Burt Holmes became an early investor with $25,000. When Pat asked how he wanted her to use the money he said he did not care. “Just make it happen.” He knew this would be big for Tulsa.
Big indeed. Gentner Drummond and his associates gave 170 acres. Land wise, Tulsa Botanic Garden is the largest such garden in the country and has grown to employ thirty people.
Pat and Clayton are active members of Trinity Episcopal Church. They enjoy cooking and, for fun, have published two cookbooks. They are putting the final touches on their third.
