Lillie Gay (Cordell) Patterson

Mrs. Lillie Gay Cordell Patterson, age 90 a long-time resident of the Red Bud Community of Gordon County, GA, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 after a period of declining health. She was born in Pickens County, GA, daughter of the late Jessie James and Julia Viola Dean Cordell. She grew up in the Pleasant Hill Community of that county, and married Lloyd H. Patterson in 1947. They moved to Gordon County, GA in 1952. Mrs. Patterson spent her life as a dutiful daughter, a caring sister, a loving wife, the dearest mother, a loyal friend, and a devoted Christian. She retired from the Gordon County School System after working thirty years as a cafeteria manager of Red Bud Schools. She was baptized into the fellowship of Ball Creek Baptist Church of Pickens County, GA in 1949 and remained a faithful member until her death. She placed the Lord first in her life and completely fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of a preacher’s wife. She was dedicated to her family and delighted in seeing them succeed in life’s struggle. It can be said that her life was one of self-denial, struggle, sacrifice, work, and worry. However, through it all she never complained but labored, with Christian clarity and without the need of recognition, to contribute to the welfare and happiness of others. She often said, “I feel so unworthy of the many blessing I have received in my life.” In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: her husband of 66 years, Rev. Lloyd H. Patterson; and two sisters, Ruthell Cordell Patterson and Onie Lee Cordell Thacker. Survivors include: her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Jean Patterson of Rome, GA; three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Garry Prather, Barbara and Jimmy Pate, and Joan and Gary Sutherland all of Calhoun, GA; six grandchildren, Nathan Patterson, Julie Privett, Jeremy Pate, Elaine Hite, Alex Sutherland, and Katie Sutherland; nine great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Ashley, and Hunter Privett, Thomas and Clara Patterson, Lillie and Dawson Pate, and Adeline and Natalie Hite, and with anticipation of the tenth in July; a brother, Dean Cordell; brother and sister-in-law, Junior and Naomi Gaddis Cordell all of Ballground, GA; sister, Annie Lou Cordell Henderson of Jasper, GA; three sisters-in-law, Cleo Buttram Patterson of Calhoun, GA, Gladys Patterson Jones of Asheville, NC, and Oleane Parker Patterson of Marietta, GA; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sonny and Ruth Patterson Garlin of Calhoun, GA. Nieces, nephews, and a host of friends also survive. Her family extends their warmest gratitude and appreciation to her friends and the staff at Morning Pointe for the love, friendship, care, and support they so kindly gave our mother. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 7th at 11 AM from Ball Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Thomas Wheeler, Rev. Wallace Parks, and Rev. Matt Latham officiating. Interment will follow in Haven of Rest Memorial Park in Calhoun, GA. Pallbearers are: Garry Prather, Jimmy Pate, Gary Sutherland, Nathan Patterson, Jeremy Pate, and Alex Sutherland. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, June 6th from 4 PM until 8 PM at Thomas Funeral Home. You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Thomas Funeral Home oversees the arrangements for Mrs. Lillie Gay Cordell Patterson.