Mildred Frances Smith Patterson, 91, of Florence, passed gently from this world on February 23, 2009.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, and only child, Mimi Patterson Mays and husband, Audie Mays of Killen, her adoring granddaughter, Elizabeth Kelly Mays of Atlanta, and brother, Homer Smith of Florence.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Maynard Overton Patterson, sister Bonnie Smith Sullivan, and brothers Bufford Smith, S.B. Smith, and Wilson Smith.
Mildred was a longtime, faithful member of Highland Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years, a member of Pirean Study Club, Womens'' Community Bible Study, Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts, and Friends of the Library. She was an avid reader throughout her life and proudly gave of her time with Mitchell-Hollingsworth and various community service programs.
All of those who knew and loved her will remember her as a kind, loving and generous spirit, and one who maintained an unselfish and positive demeanor every day of her life. We will all miss her bright smile, the twinkle in her eyes and the love that we felt in her presence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Florence Lauderdale Public Library.
Mimi, Audi and Kelly would like to thank the staff of Mitchell-Hollingsworth Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Dr. Robert Mann for their devoted care.
Mildred''s family will receive friends in the parlor of Elkins Funeral Home from 1:30 until 2:30 on Friday afternoon, February 27th. A graveside service will follow at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens at 3:00 p.m., with Reverend Chris Underwood of Highland Baptist Church officiating.