Sister Pauline taught Jonesboro, Pocahontas schools

Published: July 25, 2018

Sister M. Pauline Morath, OSB, who spent 60 years teaching in Arkansas and Texas schools, died July 13 after 73 years as an Olivetan Benedictine sister. She was 90.

She was born Pearl Lena Morath in Houston, Miss., to Michael and Dulice Morath. While attending Holy Angels Academy in 1944, she entered the Jonesboro convent. She was given the name Mary Pauline and professed first vows Aug. 15, 1945. In 1949, she took final vows.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Scholastica College and her master’s degree in education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Sister Pauline taught for 60 years in Texas and Arkansas, including at Blessed Sacrament School in Jonesboro and St. Paul School in Pocahontas. She spent 18 years as both teacher and principal. She earned accolades over the years, including being named “Teacher of the Year” by Walmart in Pocahontas. In 2003 and 2005, she was listed in the “Who’s Who Among American Teachers,” her funeral home obituary stated.

She enjoyed leading Vacation Bible School and other religious education programs and also spent many summers in the 1990s in pastoral care at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

In 2005, Sister Pauline retired, serving as a seamstress at the convent and crocheting items for the Holy Angels gift shop.

She is survived by two brothers, Samuel Morath and George Morath; and one sister, Fran Stenger.

A visitation and rosary was held July 15. A Mass of Christian Burial was held July 16, with interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.