Jeannene Patterson

Jeannene Drake Patterson, age 85, of Trussville, Alabama, passed away on August 4, 2015. Jeannene was the daughter of the late James Drake and the late Ruby McCain Drake Gilbreath. She lived in Guntersville, Alabama for over 70 years and was married to the late J. L. Patterson, Jr. Jeannene moved to Trussville in her later years to be nearer her children. There she was an active member of the First Baptist Church and Hazel Taylor's Sunday School class. She was a member of the Women's Missionary Union, and a faithful supporter of the charitable works of the church and the Baptist Children's Home. An avid reader and patron of the arts, Jeannene was a member of a book club for many years, and enjoyed concerts, plays, and travel, particularly her annual trip with long-time friends to New York City. Jeannene received a Bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University and taught high school English for 26 years at J. B. Pennington High School in Blountsville. She later received a Master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Jeannene had great concern for her family's well-being, supporting her children and grandchildren in their endeavors, and attending dozens of ball games, recitals, concerts and plays to cheer them on. She was a talented seamstress and hand-crafter, and her hands were never idle. Her children's homes are filled with knitting, needlework and hand-made items. She is survived by her children, John L. Patterson, III (Sandra Smith), Elizabeth Patterson Wallace (Gary), and James Drake Patterson (Alisha); grandchildren John R. Patterson, Elizabeth Patterson Williams, William Patterson Wallace, Benjamin Matthew Wallace, Sara Catherine Patterson Tapley, and Gracen Anne Patterson; and seven great-grandsons. Services will be Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 1591 Gadsden Highway, Birmingham, AL. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A graveside service and burial will be at 2:30 that afternoon at Marshall Memory Garden, 3368 Alabama Hwy 205 N, Albertville, Alabama. Rev. Bobby Erwin and Rev. John R. Patterson will be officiating. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.