Judy Woods Patton's Obituary
Judy Lain Woods Patton, 82, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, with her husband of 62 years by her side.
Judy was born in Selmer, Tennessee on April 30, 1943, to Lain and Maidell Woods. Her family relocated to Memphis in her early childhood, and she remained a Memphian for life.
At the age of 15, Judy was introduced to James “Jim” Patton by a friend. Despite attending rival high schools (Judy at Treadwell, Jim at Central), they became instant sweethearts. In 1963, they married at Highland Heights Baptist Church. She attended Miller-Hawkins Business School and worked as a secretary for a medical practice. Later, she transitioned to her true career– homemaker and mother. Their son, Eric Todd Patton, was born in 1968. A daughter, Trisha Lain Patton Gurley, came along in 1972.
While Judy’s main love and devotion was to her family, she first loved Jesus Christ. She took His word to heart and tried to follow His teaching of caring and compassion for others. She loved animals, and her pets were her children too. Whenever possible, their dog Mitzi was included in countless family road trips.
The quintessential southern belle, she had her hair done at the salon every Friday. Rain, sleet, snow, or ice didn’t stop her weekly appointment. Her nails were manicured weekly. She did her own house cleaning, and her reward for those jobs well done was her favorite hobby– shopping! She had a talent for practicality and bargaining, always kindly looking for that special deal or discount.
Judy never met a stranger. She forged friendships with sales people in the department stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and any place she was a regular customer. She could ask a hundred questions– not just out of curiosity, but because she truly cared about them and their families.
As a grandmother, she was the beloved “Mimi” and delighted in spoiling her grandsons. Every summer the entire family would go on vacation, and her energy outlasted the youngest family members.
Left to cherish her memory and further her actions of kindness are her husband, Jim Patton; her children Eric (Sherry) and Trisha (Kristopher); and grandsons Ryan Patton and Thomas Patton. She also leaves a sister, Gwendolyn Montague, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services are on Sunday, February 8th. Visitation is from 1:00-2:00, with the funeral service at 2:00. A short graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tennessee Baptist Children's Home or an animal shelter of the donor’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930
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