HENDERSON - The Lord came to take Alma to Heaven on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at the home of her daughter in the Epsom Community. Her blinded eyes can now see, her deaf ears can now hear, and she can stroll over Heaven with her new legs. She was age 84. Born in Warren County on July 10, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Will Green Pendergrass and Ida Dickerson Pendergrass, and the widow of Lonnie Thomas (L. T.) Patterson, Jr. L. T. died October 26, 1994.

She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law: Jean P. Wester and husband Jerry of Henderson; Patsy P. Gregory and husband John of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Janet P. Talton and husband Rick of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Kay P. Wrenn and husband Tommy of Henderson. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Jonathan Daniel Wester of Henderson, Leslie Wester Schutze and husband Chris of Bristow, Virginia; Tonya Wester Thomason and husband Chris of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Amy Nicole Patterson of Henderson; and Jeremy Thomas Marks of Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition, three great-grandchildren survive: Robert Thomas Calfee of Henderson, Haley Ann Schutze and Dylan Thomas Schutze of Bristow, Virginia, and baby girl Schutze is expected June 25, 2008.

Alma was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dennis Thomas Patterson, who died December 15, 1991. Also preceding her in death were five sisters and six brothers: Mattie Loyd, Lelia Driver, Katharine Peoples, Alice Collier, Lennie Ball, Willie Pendergrass, Eddie Penderegrass, Cecil Pendergrass, Raymond Pendergrass, Arthur Pendergrass, and Luther Pendergrass.

Alma was a faithful member of New Bethel Baptist Church at Epsom until failing health and eyesight rendered it impossible for her to attend. She attended the Marilyn Duke Sunday School Class, was a member of the adult choir, and delighted in being co-director of the Vacation Bible School for several years.

Arrangements are by Flowers Funeral Home where the family received friends Friday, May 23, 2008, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. At other times, they will be at the home of Jean and Jerry Wester at 44 Sollie Ayscue Road in the Epsom Community.

Funeral services will be held at New Bethel Baptist Church on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 2 p.m. by the Reverend Robert Collier. Burial will follow in the church cemetery where Alma will be laid to rest next to L. T. and Dennis.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Aycock, R. G. Peoples, Rodney Peoples, Joseph (Dan) Patterson, Jason Patterson, and Art Patterson.

Flowers are accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Carroll Roberson Ministries, 203 S. Clayton, Ripley, MS 38663.

Paid Obituary