Mary Earline Patterson was born on May 10, 1928 to Charles Ellis Fortenberry & Ruby McClellan Fortenberry in Jackson, MS. On June 29, 2026, she peacefully departed this life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis D. (Pat) Patterson, her son Donald Patterson, her parents Charles & Ruby Fortenberry, and siblings. Talmadge Fortenberry, who was killed during WW2, Albert Fortenberry, Dorothy (Dot) Purvis, Ann Palmer Grant, Dennis Fortenberry, Dallas Fortenberry & Marth Jane Fortenberry who died at age 10.
Mary was the third of eight children. She shared a birthday with her sister Ann. She was very close to her remaining six siblings.
She married in 1948 and had a son, Donald in 1952. She remarried in April 1956 and had a daughter, Luanne in 1959.
Mary loved to garden and was exceedingly proud of her yard. Particularly her giant magnolia tree & her prized peonies. She was one of those Southern women who could make anything in her yard bloom. She was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys during the Tom Landry years from 1960-1988. When he was replaced as head coach, she never watched another Cowboy game!
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother & great grandmother. A loving sister & true friend.
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