Agnes “Gezie” Louise Patterson
Agnes “Gezie” Louise Patterson, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at age 82.
She was born on December 3, 1937 in Morehead, Kentucky to John Leslie and Dessie Ferol Withrow Ward. As the last surviving Ward child, she was predeceased by her seven sisters, Maude Kopack; Louella Thomas; Vada Sue Russell; Ruby Knight; Elizabeth Ison; Barbara Gifford; and Frances Cassity, and one brother, Finley Ward. She is also predeceased by infant grandchild Nathaniel Patterson.
Mrs. Patterson is survived by her husband of 63 years, James “Cotton” Patterson; three children: daughter Robin Patterson and sons Jeff (Christy) Patterson and Stephen Patterson; three grandchildren: Riann (John) Bilderback, Colin (Rachel) Tilley, and Christian Patterson; and two great-grandchildren: Ben Bilderback and Tulip Tilley.
Her loss will also be felt by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, many of whom thought of her as the “cool one.” Friends and family agreed that Gezie was one-of-a-kind. Despite her health difficulties in her last several years, she still managed to be the favorite of many doctors, therapists, and nurses due to her blunt manner and quick wit.
The only thing more consistent than her retorts was her immense generosity. Gezie opened her home up to people from all walks of life. Whether someone needed an ear, a bed, or a hot meal, she graciously provided without hesitation, and typically without recognition. The community benefited from her kindness and compassion too. Gezie was a leader and active participant with her children and grandchildren’s schools. She could always be found heading up PTA, volunteer programs, East Ridge Boosters, as well as offering her support and advice from behind-the-scenes. Recreation and beautification flourished in part due to her involvement in endeavors such as Camp Jordan Park and youth recreation programs and the construction of the Pioneer Frontier playground. Gezie was well-known and beloved in the softball and baseball communities. For decades, she ran concession stands, hospitality rooms, tournament meetings, and anything else she was asked to do. If you were an umpire, coach, official, scorekeeper, or a player, you crossed her path and benefited from her graciousness, and, if you were lucky, she fed you too.
Her BBQ sauce recipe was, she claimed, the secret ingredient and the reason behind Cotton’s success at several significant BBQ competitions. She was quick to make sure everyone knew, “it’s the sauce that makes it good.” If you were lucky enough to be at a table, you know both BBQ and her fried fish with hushpuppies were memorable experiences.
In accordance with her wishes, a gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 1–3 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home – East Chapel. Scattering of ashes will occur privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to continue Gezie’s traditions of caring and feeding others. Memorial contributions may be sent on her behalf to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen at PO Box 11203, Chattanooga, Tn. 37401. She would have also appreciated donations in honor of her great-nephew Edward, who was killed at the Pentagon on 9/11, sent to Jackson Weather Office/AG1 Edward Earhart Memorial Scholarship, Hazard Community College, One Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701.
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Rd. East Ridge, Tn. 37412.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com