Nelda Olivia Wardlow Patrick

Nelda Olivia Wardlow Patrick, 98, passed away peacefully in Athens on the afternoon of August 19, 2025 with her son in attendance.

Born in Arabi, Georgia, she was the only daughter of five children born to the late George Clifford Wardlow and Ella Pate Wardlow of Arabi, GA. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Mack (W. M.) Patrick in 2013 and four brothers, Benjamin Franklin Wardlow, Lonnie Floyd Wardlow, James Leon Wardlow and George Clifford Wardlow, Jr.

Her survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. J. Benjamin Patrick (Julie) of Athens as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Nelda’s childhood was in a different era. Her family members were very close and their life was based on their strong Christian faith and their Church. Because there were no handheld devices, TV or radio, they entertained themselves primarily with music. They sang together spiritual songs as well as popular songs of the day and from an early age Nelda was the pianist. As she developed her talent, she sang in various choirs, glee clubs and trios in high school and college as well serving as pianist. Later she served her churches as organist or pianist and later in life, pianist on occasion. She played piano for her own entertainment well into her 90s.

Nelda was a graduate of Arabi High School in 1943. After graduation, she attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where she met her husband to be, W. M. (‘Pat’) Patrick of Quitman, GA. She then transferred to the University of Georgia where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1947. She later earned her Master of Education degree from UGA in 1972. After seriously considering a major in music, she decided on a major in education. She wanted to be a teacher. After graduation from UGA in 1947, she and Pat accepted teaching jobs at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School in Rabun County, GA, where they taught for 10 years. Afterwards, they taught at White County High School, Toccoa High School and for many years at Fitzgerald High School. Nelda taught physical science and chemistry and Pat served as principal at all of these schools. Nelda had an absolute passion for education. Over the years, she taught many highly successful students who excelled at various life endeavors. An example is a ninth grade physical science student who won the state science fair that year. He later became the long time head of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Duke University. Nelda may have had some small part in motivating him and others to be relentless in their pursuit of their life dream. Until her last days she never stopped talking to people, even her caregivers, about the importance of lifelong learning. On the day before she went to heaven she said “I am a teacher”. An annual scholarship is being established at Fitzgerald High School in Nelda’s name for a deserving high school senior who plans to pursue their education in some field of science.

When they moved to Fitzgerald in 1964, Nelda and Pat found their home. They loved the people there and the school. They were members of First Baptist Church and later became charter members of Fellowship Baptist Church in Fitzgerald. She loved her church. Nelda lived in Fitzgerald for almost 60 years. Even though her last few years were in Athens under her son’s watchful eye, she always loved Fitzgerald and considered it her home.

After retirement, Nelda and Pat traveled the US and Canada in their motorhome with their travel companions, her brother George, Jr. and his wife. They also traveled in their truck, primarily to New England searching for antiques for their hobby business, Colony Antiques.

Nelda loved flowers and plants. She was a member of the Fitzgerald Garden Club, participating in flower arranging and other projects. She loved working in her yard, working with camellias, azaleas, day lilies and flowers.

Nelda was a wonderful wife, mother, teacher and motivator. Her love will be greatly missed on this earth.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Quitman, Georgia with burial following in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church, 126 Lincoln Avenue, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or Philadelphia Baptist Church, 3091 Troupeville Road, Quitman, GA 31643.

Lord and Stephens, West of Athens is in charge of arrangements.