1938-2025
Shirley Essary Patterson, of Palestine, Texas, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, joined our loving Lord and Savior on Monday, the 30th day of June 2025. She was 87 years of age when the Lord called her home. Mrs. Patterson was born in San Angelo, Texas on the 24th day of March 1938 to parents Emmitt Clarence Essary and Lydia Faye Wolff Essary.
Mrs. Patterson graduated from San Angelo Community College and went on to work as a Peace Officer for Runnels County Sheriff’s Office for several years and later worked as an auditor and accountant for Runnels County. Mrs. Patterson had a heart for serving others. Earlier in life, she served for many years as the church secretary at Lakeview Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas, where she also taught Sunday School and worked with the youth. When she moved to Palestine, she became a member of Norwood Heights Baptist Church. Mrs. Patterson had a passion for sewing and working in her garden. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed until the day we can see her again.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Emmitt and Lydia Essary, first husband Melvin Ray Fuller, second husband Oral Dean Patterson, daughter Joni Lyn Fuller Gray, and her brother Wilburn Dale Essary.
Left to cherish but never forget the splendid memories are her daughter Judy Smith and husband Doug of Rusk, Texas; sister-in-law, Toni Essary of Virginia; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends whom she loved dearly.
Mrs. Patterson’s wishes were to be cremated, and she will be inurned in Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger, Texas at a later date.
