Arlene Patterson passed away at the age of 92 Monday, December 30, 2024.
She was born April 18, 1932, in Fannin County to Robert and Effie Galloway.
Arlene was the middle child of five girls. At the age of 20, Arlene married Frank Patterson. They were married for 54 years until his passing in 2008.
Arlene loved the Lord and was a lifelong member of Macedonia Baptist Church.
Arlene and Frank opened Patterson Lumber in 1974. She and Frank worked countless hours building a successful business and raising three children. You could always find Arlene in the office running numbers and answering the phone; cooking big meals in the kitchen and sharing the Lord with customers, friends and family.
Arlene was known for her kindness and generosity. She was always checking in on the sick and sending flowers to just about anyone. She was a selfless person, putting the needs of others before herself. She attended church faithfully even when declining in health.
Arlene thought the world of her children, but especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to shop, and buying for the grands brought her great joy. Arlene was always dressed to the nines and well known for her love of all jewelry. In her later years, she spent hours on the phone checking on her friends and telling them how grateful she was. Her favorite thing to say was "I am blessed to have a long and wonderful life".
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Frank; her sisters, Ruby (Rockford) Patterson, Pauline (Arthur) Thomas, and Gertrude Galloway.
She is survived by her three children, Diane Patterson, Danny (Vanessa) Patterson and William (Kim) Patterson; grandchildren, Emilee (Jimmy) Burns, Will (Grace) Patterson, Bethany Patterson, Cameron (Emma) Cearley, Caleb (Abby) Cearley, Faith Patterson; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Bobbie (Roy) Crawford; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Copper Basin Health and Rehabilitation Center for their care and love during this time.
A funeral service was held Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. from the Macedonia Baptist Church with the Rev. David O'Neal and the Rev. Wallace Parks officiating. Music was provided by the Rev. Kenny and Kim O'Neal. Interment followed in the Mobile Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Joey Patterson officiating. The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Will Patterson, Jimmy Burns, Cameron Cearley, Caleb Cearley, Bobby Nicholson and Carlton Patterson.
Serving as honorary pallbearers were: James Hyatt, Randy Beach, Kevin O'Neal, Barron Deal and Gary Patterson.
The family visited with friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening, January 1, 2025, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at
www.akinscobb.com.Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, Georgia, was in charge of these arrangements.
Published by The News Observer from Jan. 8 to Jan. 15, 2025.