Jeanette B. Patterson

Jeanette Barker Patterson, age 81 of Johnson City, TN passed away at home on March 27, 2013 after a brave and determined fight against cancer. She faced her illness and death with humor, grace and dignity. Jeanette was born on January 20th, 1932 in Bristol, Virginia, to Beulah and Joseph Barker. She graduated from Virginia High School in 1950 and from Virginia Intermont College in 1952. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, W.R. (Bill) Patterson. Bill and Jeanette were married on December 4th, 1954 in Bristol, Virginia. Born from their marriage were six children, a son who died at birth and five surviving children - daughter Trish Patterson and husband Michael Scalf, daughter Judy Patterson King, daughter Lee Patterson and Tony Seaton, daughter Katherine Patterson and Rob Fink, all of Johnson City, and son W.R. (Billy) Patterson, Jr. and wife Christi Thomas Patterson of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is also survived by 8 wonderful grandchildren, of whom she was immensely proud - Andrew Scalf, Anna Katherine Scalf, Allie Scalf, Ian Herrin, William Patterson (Pat) Herrin, Grace Herrin, Sims Patterson and W.R. (Rad) Patterson, III, great grandson Roman, as well as sisters Patsy Struder of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Carol LaShorne of Fort Pierce, Florida. Preceding her in death were her parents, her sister Delores Hagy, her brother Charles Barker and her son-in-law Sonny King. Jeanette had a strong Christian faith which helped sustain her throughout her life. She was raised in the Baptist Church but joined the Methodist Church as an adult. She was a member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church at the time of her death. Bill and Jeanette were charter members of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City. Jeanette had a wonderful sense of humor and the gift of never taking herself too seriously. No matter the topic of conversation, she would have a story to tell. She had the ability to make the mundane fun and funny. She loved her flowers and loved to garden. She was an excellent cook and could make a delicious meal, big enough to feed friends and family, in a matter of minutes. Jeanette had a creative spirit, loved to decorate and create beauty. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who spent countless hours behind the wheel of her station wagon driving her children and grandchildren to lessons and performances. Her husband was the love of her life and her children and grandchildren were her lifes work. Our family expresses deep gratitude to caregiver and friend Violet Ochoa, nurse Whitney Cook, Dr. Devapiran Jaishankar, and the staff of The Regional Cancer center, including Mary Jones. We will honor Jeanettes life with visitation and a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday April 7th, 2013 in the Christian Life Center of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Michael Lester officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00 PM with the memorial service to follow at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.