Olene Ward Patterson passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on January 22, 1934, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, to parents, Delma and Jennie Ward.
Olene graduated from Randolph High School and spent many heartfelt hours tending to her yard, finding joy in the beauty of nature. As a member of Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church, she drew strength and inspiration from her faith and was known for her kind heart and generous spirit.
Olene and her late husband Delaine made a lasting impact in their community as the owners of Patterson's Grocery, where they dedicated their life to serving others. Olene was also a devoted homemaker, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family, cherishing every moment spent with them.
Olene is survived by her son, Michael D. (Kelly) Patterson; her sister, Vida Adams; her granddaughters, Elizabeth (Brian) Levenson, Erin Patterson, and April Morales; her great-grandchildren, Anna, Gavin, Haley, Jade, Kayla, and Holly; and great-great grandchildren, James and Noah Dowell.
Visitation will be held at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce on December 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. A funeral service officiated by Bro. Gerald Finley and Bro. Wayne Ward will follow at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Parker Memorial Funeral Home. Olene will be laid to rest at Poplar Springs Cemetery in Vardaman, MS. Serving as pallbearers are Wesley Sprayberry, J.D. Adams, Sherald Finley, Jeffery Sprayberry, Jock Adams, and Champ Finley.
Olene was preceded in death by her husband, Huey Delaine Patterson; son, Howard Kim Patterson; father, Delma B. Ward; mother, Jennie Douglas Ward; sisters, Eva Harrison, Wilma Finley, Gwinda Sprayberry; and brothers, Doug Ward, Reese Ward, D.L. Ward, and Lexie Ward.
Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the Patterson Family during this difficult time of loss.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
476 MS 9 P.O. Box 458, Bruce, MS 38915

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