Mary Frances Eberhardt Patterson

Frances was born September 2, 1927 in Gainesville to the late Paul & Lizzie Eberhardt. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pat  Patterson; sister, Charlotte Banks; brother, Dave Eberhardt.

 She graduated from Airline High School where (despite her stature) played basketball and made many sweet memories. She would often tell of when she worked the candy counter at McClellan’s Dime Store on the square in Gainesville and how she and her (sister in law to be) Lucy, would ride the bus from New Holland to Chicopee for free because they knew the bus driver and they didn’t have anything to do.

 On February 20, 1949 she married Pat Patterson, both were 21 years old. They will be celebrating their 73rd Anniversary in heaven on February 20th. They moved to Anniston, AL in 1966 and lived there until 1982 before moving back home to Gainesville. They had many good neighbors and friends there.

 Frances was a member of St. Paul UMC where she was very active with her class The Willing Workers, UMW and helping with Soup Day and going to visit the shut ins. Her personal ministry was telephoning others and lifting their spirits. She  wanted others to know that she was thinking of them and praying for them. Frances was also a wonderful gardener and enjoyed being outside and sharing her flowers, vegetables and plants with others. She attended Lebanon Campmeeting which her great grandfather helped to start. She had never missed a year until 2020 due to COVID. But she did go and tent again in 2021 and was recognized as one of the oldest there.

 She loved children, especially her grandchildren and great grand-children. She would call her loved ones and sing Happy Birthday to them. Many wouldn’t answer because they wanted it saved to their voicemail to treasure. She also loved the Braves and listened to every game. Even though macular degeneration had taken her sight she  didn’t let that slow her down. She would tell you “There is nothing wrong with me but I’m old and blind”. She had a great sense of  humor, loved to hug and never met a stranger.

 Left to cherish her memory, son, Tommy (Lillie) Patterson, Foley, AL; daughters, Marsha Knight, Gainesville & Celeste (Drew) Sayre, Gainesville; grandchildren, Erin (Adam) Sullivan, Ozark, AL, Libby Sayre (Matt) Pope, Washington, DC & Molly Sayre, Gainesville; great grandson, Junior Sullivan, Ozark, AL. And nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial services honoring Mary Frances will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday February 19, 2022 at the St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Calvin Haney officiating. Burial will be private at Alta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends after the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to the St. Paul United Methodist Church, 404 Washington St NW, Gainesville, GA 30501 or to the Hospice of Northeast Georgia, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Please share online condolences with the family at www.wardsfh.com. Ward’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Frances Eberhardt Patterson.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gainesville. “A Family Funeral Home”