Mary Annette Logan Patterson's Obituary
Mary Annette Logan Patterson, a delight to all who met her, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 01, 2022.
Annette, or “Annie” as her sisters affectionately called her, was born on November 22, 1923, in Woodland, Tennessee, to Vora and Mary Lee Garrigan Logan. She was one of seven daughters, yet she never met one of her older sisters, Margaret, who passed away before Annette was born. There were seemingly no challenges her father, Vora, could not overcome, as Mary Lee passed away when Annette was 12 years old, leaving him to lovingly raise six daughters as a farmer during the Depression.
Annette served as a secretary at a local Air Force training base during World War II. After the war she moved to Trenton, Tennessee where she became the church secretary and met the love of her life, Reg. They moved from town to city for several years, as Annette stood by Reg to help build an established career with Proctor and Gamble and create the family of four children Annette so profoundly adored. Once permanently settled in Memphis, Annette served as a devoted member of First Baptist Church for 35 years and later as a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church in Cordova for almost another 30 years. Annette joyfully served in many capacities, from the second-grade Sunday School class door greeter during her children’s and grandchildren’s elementary years to an active participant in the Women’s Missionary Union in both churches. As Annette entered her sixties, she and Reg boldly served on the mission field for several-months-stays in Upper Volta, present-day Burkina Faso, Africa.
“Memommy” endearingly named by her grandchildren, effortlessly shared the Gospel through her humble heart by eagerly welcoming and serving others through her trademark hospitality, hobbies, and devotion to her family—from lovingly stitched dresses, costumes, quilts, and embroidery—to caramel and coconut cakes and boiled custard, alongside arguably the best Thanksgiving dressing—to perhaps most notably, the cherished family gatherings on Fairfield Circle. Annette’s joyful enthusiasm was all-encompassing, pouring over into her sharp-witted humor and remarkable talent for limitless conversation that remained present throughout her final days.
Annette was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Reginald James, and four sisters, Margaret Logan, Martha Bradshaw, Agnes Evans, and Ivy Barker. She is survived by two sisters, Wilma Brooks and Dorothy Kilzer. Her faith was the center of her life. From it flowed an unmistakable love for her children: Ann Cameron, Bill Patterson, Tom Patterson (Margaret), and Ginny Atkinson. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Kelli Cox (Jason), John Cameron (Elizabeth), Michael Patterson (Kristin), Mary Cannon, Eli Atkinson (Mami), Sarah Ball (Erik), Ann Schnuerer (Richard), along with sixteen great-grandchildren.
Her family is incredibly grateful for the loving care and friendship of Nikki Wells.
There will be a service of celebration for Annette’s life at 1:00 on Wednesday, December 7th, at Trinity Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee. Visitation, beginning at noon, will precede the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Trinity Baptist Church, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
