MaryBelle Patterson

CARUTHERSVILLE - MaryBell Gaddy Patterson, 96, died Aug. 22, 2003, at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston.

Born May 1, 1907, in Caruthersville, she was the daughter of the late John D. and Alverda Geddy.

On March 31, 1929, she married James Floyd "Pat" Patterson, who was well-known later as "Senator Pat." He preceded her in death on May 5, 1989.

She was also preceded in death by one sister and brother-in-law, Violet and Byrd Newsom.

Survivors include: one daughter, Betty Jo Thompson of St. Louis; and one son and daughter-in-law, James R. and Martha Lou Johnson Patterson of Sikeston. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren and their spouses, Debra Thompson and Mark Schulte ofPascagoula, Miss.; Cathy Lynn Patterson and Richard Coronado of Atchison, Kan.; Connie Sue Thompson and Steve Angle of St. Louis; Karen Lea Patterson Schade of St. Louis; and Gary Lee and Marilyn Thompson of Longview, Texas. She also leaves 13 loving great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by a loving niece, Dorothy Newsom Kaltwasser and husband Albert of Annapolis, Md.

MaryBelle graduated in 1926 from Caruthersville High School. Although away from Caruthersville for a few years, she loved the city and proudly proclaimed her loyalty. She was a faithful member of her beloved First Baptist Church and the Gleaners Sunday school class. She served as an officer in the Women's Missionary Union as well as the Gleaners and sang for many years in the church choir. She also worked diligently in the Sunday school and vacation Bible schools.

The family wishes to recognize and thank Gwen Patterson for her loving care during Mrs. Patterson's final five years.

Visitation is from noon Monday until service time at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Caruthersville. The Rev. Ira Singleton will officiate, assisted by the Rev. James Adams.

Burial will follow in the Little Prairie Cemetery in Caruthersville.

Smith Funeral Home of Caruthersville is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions

may be sent to

J.F. Patterson Scholarship Fund

First Baptist Church

801 Ward Ave.

Caruthersville, MO 63830

or

to a charity of the

donor's choice

Paid obituary