Patricia 'Rici' Birmingham

Patricia “Rici” Dees Birmingham Obituary

Patricia "Rici" Birmingham, age 48, was tragically killed Monday, December 6, 2021, at her home in Spring, Texas. Thomas Fuller once penned, “No person should be afraid to die, who has understood what it is to truly live.” Those words perfectly describe the life and legacy of Rici Birmingham. Rici was vivacious, full of life, and beautiful both inside and out. Friends closest to her said, “She was loved by all and a true spitfire of a woman.” Patricia “Rici” Birmingham was born December 11, 1972 to Mildred “Dianne” Dees-Estes and Archie Dees, in Orlando, Florida.  Rici also has an older sister, Mary Dees and a loving step-dad, proceeded in death, Alfred Estes. Rici was known by all as a very bright and an extremely hard worker.  Even as a child, she was always the top salesperson in Girl Scouts, selling those cookies and the top salesperson with Junior Achievement, while participating in school activities and a recipient of Upward Bound at Edgewater High School (Class of 1990), Orlando, Florida.  Rici immediately started, upon High School Graduation, her career as an EKG Technician at Orlando Regional Medical Center while she studied to be a Registered Cardiovascular Technologist at Valencia Community College.  She was then recruited to Savannah, Georgia where she became the FIRST, Certified and Registered Cardiovascular Technologist, in which they did an article on her accepting the position and welcoming her to Savannah.  Her desire to strive in the medical field was evident as many hospitals requested her to be part of their teams.  She eventually accepted a position in Dallas, Texas, where she continued her education, obtaining a BA in Business Administration from LeTourneau University in 2003, while working within the hospital, saving lives.  She would often share how the heart functioned and how the heart could break (physically as well as emotionally).  Rici then left Dallas to move to Houston where not only she worked at the hospital until 2020 (leaving only after the Covid mandates of hospital employees) but quickly became one of the top real estate agents in the Houston Area.  Rici worked constantly, even if on vacation, and mentored many agents along the way.  There was never an obstacle that Rici was unable to overcome when it came to real estate.  Rici not only made happy clients that were buying and selling their homes, but she made life-long friends.  Rici was the TOP Salesperson for 2020, not even allowing a world-wide pandemic slow her down.  She was extremely proud of that moment receiving the trophy and recognition for the work she did.  Upon her passing, the hard-worker that she always was continued to show by having a “full funnel” of clients, pending sales/agreements, but also days and days of Social Media Post promoting her services to the Houston Community and her friends.  Her sister, Mary, said, “the only person that could even come close, actually leaving her in the dust, as a “work-a-holic” would be her sister”. Depending on when you met her, you might have known her as Patricia / Trish / Trisha / Rici. Lots of names and even more personality. She was a loving wife, an amazing mom, and compassionate friend. She had the unique ability to light up a room. Rici never met a stranger. She always had a smile on her face and was truly the life of the party. Rici was the friend you wanted in your corner. When times get tough, she was the first to have your back. If you had a need, she wanted to meet it no questions asked. She had a heart of gold and left this world too soon.  During the early years she was quoted in articles written about her that she loved to water ski, dance, shoot pool, and spend time with her friends.  As time went by, that same thrill for life remained and she was not one to sit out while others were enjoying life or a good celebration. Scrolling through her social media, you’ll be met with testimonies of friendship and love from those who mourn her loss and have been touched by her presence. These words proudly display the true beauty of her life, a life lived fully in relation to those around her. She did not give pieces of herself; she gave her all. Rici never did anything half-hearted- she was always “all-in!” Rici was the person who showed up when houses flooded or when life was falling apart. She supported and promoted local businesses, was a top real estate agent, a team player, and was absolutely adored by all who journeyed this life with her. The world is a better place because of Rici Birmingham.  Rici was a born-again Christian and as such, she no doubt entered heaven with the same joy and excitement that she entered any door here on earth. Rici leaves behind a 16-year-old daughter. Nothing sparked a bigger smile or more sparkle in her eyes than the mention of Olivia, fondly known as Oli. If you had a minute to listen, she would graciously share all she could about her redheaded, volleyball loving beauty. They were best friends. She is also survived by two loving stepsons, Chad and Cory Birmingham, daughters-in-law Maggie Birmingham and Nikki as well as two grandsons James and Cohen. Rici's family meant the world to her and she loved each of them dearly.  She had a special place in her heart for her nephew and niece (Twins), Justice and Jessie, Orlando, Florida. Rici also leaves behind so many loving extended family members in Niceville, Florida, Jackson, Mississippi and Yazoo City, Mississippi.