Ruth Carolyn Patterson

Ruth Carolyn Patterson, 83, of Start, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2025.

Born on August 30, 1942, Carolyn lived a life filled with quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family and community. She was the beloved wife of the late Malcolm Rudolph (Pat) Patterson for 56 years and was predeceased in death by her father, Hubert Diamond Thomason; mother, Alma Keene Thomason; four sisters, Mary T. Bradford, Clara T. Leggett, Margaret T. Fluck and Elizabeth T. Harwell and brother, Hubert Gay Thomason. She was a loving sister to her surviving siblings, Patricia Diane Rizzo and Karen Jane Smith.

As a devoted mother and grandmother, Carolyn’s heart was fullest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Together with her husband, she built a legacy of love and commitment through their five children: Kellye Patterson Piro (Joe), Melissa Carol Patterson Rankin (Scott), Malcolm Rudolph Patterson II, John Diamond Patterson (Kristy) , and Jason Walker Patterson (Rebecca); grandchildren: Alicia Kinney (Michael), Joshua Patterson, Grace Patterson, Julia Patterson, and Olivia Patterson and her great-grandson, Gabriel Kinney.

Carolyn dedicated many years to teaching kindergarten in Mangham, Louisiana, where she patiently nurtured and guided countless young lives. She was a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe and a faithful member of Crew Lake Methodist Church in Start, where she worshiped and served for over fifty years. Her life was marked by compassion, humility, and a steadfast trust in God. Her faith and family were her foundation, and Carolyn lived and believed in the promises of scripture.

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” — Psalm 48:14

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” — Philippians 1:3

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” —2 Timothy 4:7

Her presence was a gift from our heavenly Father. Though she is deeply missed, she is at peace and in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.

Visitation will be from 12:00PM to 2:00PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Crew Lake Methodist Church in Start, Louisiana, followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM with Rev. Marshall Sevier officiating. Interment will follow in Start Methodist Cemetery, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home of Rayville.

Pallbearers will be Jon Bradford, Scott Bradford, Skip Fife, Kevin Henry, Joshua Patterson, and Kevin Thomason. Honorary pallbearers are the men of Crew Lake Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Crew Lake Methodist Church in Start, Louisiana.