Donna Tipton Patterson

1941 - 2025

Donna Tipton Patterson
07/29/1941 - 10/28/2025
On October 28, 2025, Donna Tipton Patterson passed peacefully and returned to her lifelong love, James. She was born Donna Jean Tipton in Enid, Oklahoma, to Otis Aubrey and Georgia Yocham Tipton. Donna grew up in Enid, graduating from Enid High in 1959, then attending the University of Tulsa. On August 23, 1960, James and Donna wed, starting a life of over 56 wonderful years together until James' passing in 2017.

Throughout their many moves to foreign lands and back again to Texas, Donna always made home special. Whether in a high rise in Caracas, the deep snow in Calgary, or what became home base in west Houston, she made sure all were welcome, the table was beautiful, and the food divine. In between showering her family with love, she returned to her business studies at the University of Houston, became an ace tennis player at Westside Tennis Club, and built her summer community at their second home in Lake City, Colorado. There, she hiked 14,000-foot peaks, planned sunset picnics, hosted youth gatherings and Fourth of July barbeques, and jeeped around all of the San Juan mountains. Donna always relied on her faith as a member of both Grace Presbyterian in Houston and Lake City Presbyterian in Colorado. She never waivered in her faith, even when she could no longer attend services.

Donna is predeceased by her husband, James Kenneth Patterson, and her two sisters, Karen Kay and Linda Hoog. She is survived by her daughters, Janet Lofland and her husband Parker; Sharon Jones and her husband Max; grandchildren Tiffany, Jessica, Sydney, Chance, Constance, Natalie, Michelle, and Neil; and eight great-grandchildren.

A sincere thanks to all of Donna's caregivers over the past three years and in her final days, especially the wonderful team at Eagle's Trace Memory Care and Bayou City Hospice. Additionally, a special thank you to long-time family friend Jerry Hillestad, to whom our family owes eternal gratitude for his care and compassion over a lifetime and especially in Mom's final years.

We will honor Mom's wishes not to have a formal service. Instead, we encourage everyone to celebrate her in your own way, with your loved ones, and remember the joy she brought to all. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other condolences, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.com) or another charity of your choice.