Obituary of Ella Gertrude Patterson

On January 12, 1932, Ella Gertrude Patterson, better known as Gertrude was born in Macon County, Tennessee to the late Bervie Galen Gregory, and Bessie Lee Kemp Gregory. Gertrude Patterson was one of nine children born to this union. She was married to Elmer Glenn Patterson on October 30, 1971, sharing thirty-five years together, Elmer preceded her in death on October 21, 2006. Besides her husband and parents; sons, Ronnie Dale Russell, and Danny Gale Russell, daughter, Peggy Jane Russell, sisters, Ovie Smith, Jana Dickens, and Mary Barnfield, also preceded her in death. Gertrude worked in local garment factories as a seamstress for several years. Later, she worked in the Knollwood Manor Dietary Department as a cook. She continued there around fifteen years, before retiring. Gertrude had two sons and two daughters that she loved dearly. Family was what Gertrude's life revolved around. She enjoyed every moment spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gertrude had made several quilts, piece by piece, she also enjoyed sewing. Gertrude enjoyed going to the Macon County Senior Citizens Center where she would socialize with close friends. Gertrude loved listening to Gospel Music. Being a Christian was the most important part of Gertrude's life. She was saved as a young twelve year old girl and was a member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a member. She had attended church with her daughter and family for the past several years at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. At the age of 80, Gertrude went to be with the Lord on March 18, 2012. Funeral Services for Ms. Ella Gertrude Patterson were conducted Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Elder Walter Andrews officiating. Clarence "Moody" Gregory, Billy Gregory, Donnie Gregory, Mark Keith Russell, Nicky Russell, and Jimmy Cox served as Pallbearers. Interment followed in the Anderson Memorial Park. She will be sadly missed by family and friends, but our loss is Heaven's Gain. Gertrude is survived by; Daughter, Teresa (Steve) Swindle, Grandson, Troy (Tonja) Russell and Tyler Swindle, Granddaughters, Jessica Ventura and Rebecca Russell, Great-grandchildren, Dustin (Jessica) Russell and Susan Russell all of Lafayette, TN, Kristen (Zach) Russell of Corpus Christi, TX, Tyler Rogers of Lafayette, TN, Malachi Russell Harper of Hartsville, TN, Christian Ventura of Lafayette, TN, Great-great-grandchild, Camden Russell of Lafayette, TN, Brothers, Oshal Gregory of Lafayette, and Edward Gregory of Castalian Springs, TN, Sisters, Clara Gregory of Pleasant Shade, Lavada Merry of Lafayette, TN, and Francis Gregory of Nashville, TN, Sister-in-law and longtime friend, Wilma Jones of Lafayette, TN. Alexander Funeral Home, Directors, in charge of arrangements. (615)666-2189 or www.alexanderfh.com