Patricia Era Bath was born in Harlem, New York, on November 4, 1942.
Her father was Rupert Bath, who had become the first African-American motorman for the New York City subway system.
He had also been a former Merchant Marine, and also occasionally wrote newspaper columns.
He gave Bath the interest to travel the world and explore other countries.
Her mother was Gladys Bath, who was a housewife dedicated to her children. She worked as a domestic to afford a good education for Bath.
She gave Bath her interest in reading, and also bought Bath her first chemistry set.
Bath also has a younger brother.