Mattie Patterson

Mattie Lou Patterson TUSCALOOSA Mattie Lou Patterson, age 96, passed away peacefully Jan. 10, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of her life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Circlewood Baptist Church with Dr. Herb Thomas and. Rev. Larry Corder officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South directing. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Morris Wilson Patterson; her granddaughter, Kimberly Lynne Patterson; her parents, George and Lou Holladay; her brothers, Clifton, Joe, Hubert, Henry, Roy, and Glen Holladay; and her sister, Inez Golden. She is survived by her beloved and devoted sons, Royce and wife Ann and Winton and wife Betty; her adored grandchildren, Donna Cicero and husband Andy, Leigh Leopard and husband Chad, Paul Patterson and wife Katie, Russ Patterson and wife Rachel, and Mark Patterson and wife Jodie; her cherished great-grandchildren, Drew and Anna Claire Cicero, North and Pierce Patterson, Brown, Bette, and Kerr Patterson, Anne Davis, Virginia, Cal, and Jane Aubrey Leopard, and Reid and Ryan Patterson; and her sister, Annie Mae Davis of Luverne, Ala. Mattie Lou was born January 7, 1917, in Glenwood, Alabama and grew up in the community of Luverne. After marrying her sweetheart, Morris Patterson, they moved to Tuscaloosa in 1949 with their two young sons. She will always be remembered for her hospitality and her unconditional love, two qualities which framed her life. She created a warm and loving home for her family, friends, and neighbors. Her true passion was cooking, and everyone was welcomed at her table. Her guests often included her son's childhood friends and gospel music singers. Family meals and Sunday dinners are some of her grandchildren's fondest memories. For many years she was a devoted caregiver to her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ollie and Exa Patterson. She was also a cherished aunt to nieces and nephews. Aunt Mattie Lou was special to all of them. Mattie Lou was known for her remarkable ability to remember life events, anyone she ever met, and especially a birthday. This gift remained with her throughout her lifetime. She always had a cheerful spirit and experienced the joy of living life to its fullest. She will forever be in our hearts. She truly lived her faith and was a longtime member of Circlewood Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be Paul Patterson, Mark Patterson, Russ Patterson, North Patterson, Brown Patterson, Chad Leopard, and Andy and Drew Cicero. Assisting will be special pallbearers Cal Leopard, Reid Patterson, Ryan Patterson, Kerr Patterson, and Pierce Patterson. Honorary pallbearers are members of Circlewood Baptist Church and Alberta Baptist Church, Billy and Ora Fields, Rev. George Jackson, and the Fishers of Men Sunday School Class of Circlewood Baptist Church. The family will be forever grateful for the tender loving care and friendship of her caregivers at Heritage Health and Rehabilitation Center. Flowers are welcomed, or donations may be made to the Circlewood Baptist Church Building Fund or the Alberta Baptist Church Building Fund.