Jo Ann Patton

Abingdon, Va. -  Jo Ann Patton, age 88, died at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, following a long period of declining health. 

She was born on January 20, 1930 in Clinchco (Dickenson County), Virginia and lived there until 1976 when her parents moved to the Village Green area of Bristol, Virginia. In recent years   she lived from time to time in Abingdon with her sister and for the past year was a resident at Commonwealth Senior Living in Abingdon. 

Jo Ann was the fourth of seven children, in a close and caring family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudd Clinton and Verna Frances (Deel) Patton, and sisters Rebiel Hibbits Lawson, Margaret Janell (Peggy) Patton Hagan, Pauline Lee Patton, and Shirley Jean Patton Goodman. 

She is survived by her sister, Ida Patton, Abingdon, and her brother Dr. Robert C. Patton, and his wife, Bette, Kingsport, TN. She is also survived by several special nephews and nieces who held an important place in her heart:  Robert F. Hagan, Jr., Round Hill, VA., Sarah Jane (Hagan) Hartman and husband, Steve,  Ocean View,  DE, John Rudd Hagan and wife, Beth, Big Stone Gap, VA., Robert David Patton, Vestavia, AL., Dr. William Rudd Patton and wife, Deborah, Clemmons, NC, Linda Suzanne (Patton) Williams and husband, Bruce, Johnson City, TN, Larry Dean Lawson and wife, Pamela, Altamonte, Springs, FL, and William Patton Goodman and wife, Sandie, Tullahoma, TN.  She is also survived by a host of cousins who remained close to her. 

Jo Ann graduated from Clinchco High School in a class of 14.  She chose not to attend college and instead did clerical work for her father who owned a small coal mine.  After moving to Bristol and the death of her parents she did housework for a few families with whom she developed a friendship as well. Family and friends were Jo Ann’s primary focus in life.  She especially looked forward to their visits and provided wonderful meals that became lasting memories. Several of her original recipes are preserved in family cookbooks. She will be remembered for many things and paramount among them were her winning smile and her joyous laughter.

Although Jo Ann was small in physical stature, she stood strong and tall and had a high degree of energy that enabled her to get many things done.  She was a person of great faith who gave generously of herself and she showed deep compassion for those in need.  Most notably, she unselfishly devoted ten years to caring for her parents during their final illnesses. 

Jo Ann loved working outdoors.  Each year she raised a vegetable garden and shared the rewards of her labors with family, neighbors, and friends. Some of her other interests included needlework, quilting, NASCAR events, flower gardening, fishing, summer vacations in Nags Head, playing bingo, rook, and other card games, weekend trips to neighboring states, and, most of all, taking care of Heidi, her Miniature Schnauzer, for 15 years. 

The family wish to give special thanks to Sandra Shupe who cared for Jo Ann for several months, to the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living who became her friends as well as caregivers, and to the nurses and doctors on the second floor at Johnston Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care of her and their many kindnesses to her.     

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Roanoke Office, 3959, Electric Road, Suite 357, Roanoke, VA 24018. 

Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Jo Ann Patton is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA  24210 (276-623-2700).