Joyce Patterson

Joyce Patterson, 78, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Abilene, Texas surrounded by family. A visitation will be 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Monday, April 14, 2025, at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral services will be held 12:30 PM, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.

Born on April 6, 1947, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to James and Irene Arnold, Joyce was a strong, kind-hearted woman whose warmth and generosity touched all who knew her. From a young age, she found her calling in the restaurant industry—a path that would become both a career and a legacy.

Joyce married the love of her life, Devearl “Pat” Patterson, and together they shared many wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and devotion until Pat’s passing in 2015. In the late 1970s, the couple moved their family to Abilene, Texas, a place that quickly became home and the heart of their community.

Joyce was best known as the proud owner and operator of Patterson Family Restaurant in Abilene. Her restaurant wasn't just a business, it was a gathering place, where her spirit of hospitality made every customer feel like family. Joyce never met a stranger, and her giving nature was a constant light to those around her.

In recent years, Joyce found joy and companionship through the many activities and friendships at University Place. Her enthusiasm for life and love for people remained ever-present.

Above all, Joyce was the proud matriarch of her family. Her love for them was boundless, and her legacy of strength, compassion, and unity lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Irene Arnold; her husband, Devearl “Pat” Patterson; two sisters, Elaine Patterson of Abilene, and Kay Arnold of Abilene.

Joyce is survived by her three sons, Marvin Patterson and wife Kim of Buffalo Gap, Texas, Jason Patterson and wife Mindy of Abilene, Texas, and Eric Patterson and wife Stacy of Abilene, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Tyler Woodson (Jennifer), Dawson Woodson (Amanda), Shelby Patterson, Triston Patterson, Colton Patterson (Krystal), Summer Patterson, Dylan Whisenhunt (Meri), Damon Whisenhunt, Dixon Whisenhunt, Kelcey Williams (Jeff), Hunter Patterson (Whitney), and Kyla Alaman (Jason); 16 great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Beth Barnes and husband Don of Burnet, Texas, and Kathy Babb and husband Terry of Hobbs, New Mexico; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.