Ruth Enloe Patterson

Thomasville – Ruth Enloe Patterson, 81, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 24, 2025, at home.

Born January 12, 1944, in Swain County, on the Cherokee Reservation, Ruth was the daughter of the late John Boyd and Fauline Lambert Enloe. She grew up in Swain and Jackson Counties, in the mountains of North Carolina. She was proud of her Cherokee ancestry. Ruth met and married Jack C. Lakey Sr, who preceded her in death in 1979, after moving to High Point. She returned to Jackson County and worked for Western Carolina University. She moved to Thomasville in 2006 following her retirement to be closer to her children. Ruth was a faithful member of Midway School Road Baptist Church, in Thomasville, and loved her church family. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and cooking – especially for her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and servant of the Lord; always willing to give of herself, her time, and her resources.

Ruth is survived by three children, Helen Mayo and husband, Bobby, of Goldsboro, Jack C. Lakey, Jr. and wife, Penny, of High Point, and Angela Paravis and husband, Greg, of Clayton; three grandsons, Joshua Lakey, Aaron Allen and wife, Sumiah, and Jobe Paravis; and her great granddaughter, Juniper Ruth Allen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Kenneth Patterson and six siblings, John Boyd Enloe, Jr., Helen Owle, Alice Woodard, Wanda Watson, Macie Middleton, and Gene Harris.

Funeral will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 29th, at Midway School Road Baptist Church, in Thomasville, officiated by Rev. Robert Walker. Interment will follow in Floral Garden Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences can be made at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Arrangements by Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point.