Mary Leah Rice Patterson

Obituary: Mary Leah Rice Patterson, 85, passed away May 22, 2014 at her residence. Mrs. Patterson was born June 25, 1928 in Mecklenburg County to the late Samuel M. Rice and Annie Davis Rice. Mrs. Patterson was an artist, writer. She was a regular contributor to Senior Savvy and she wrote book reviews for the Salisbury Post. She recently published a book of short stories and poems. Mary was a member of the Lutheran Chapel Church where she was a Parrish Worker, a Chapelaires Coordinator, and WELCA member. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Leonard Ray Patterson of the home; son, Phillip Patterson and his wife, Ryane of Mt. Pleasant, NC; a daughter, Deborah Young and her husband, Darrell of China Grove, NC; Grandchildren, Kayla Patterson, Landon Patterson and his wife, May; and step-grandchildren, Marya Young, Tristom Young and his wife Lisa; her sisters, Dorothy Parks of Phoenix, AZ and Joyce Reid of Matthews, NC. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Oren Rice and Kenneth Rice; and a sister, Nancy Rice Machado. A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 P.M. Sunday, May 25, 2014 at the Lutheran Chapel Church with the Rev. Bill Connelly officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Memorials can be made to Lutheran Chapel Church 135 Eudy Rd. China Grove, NC 28023. Whitley's Funeral Home is serving the Patterson family. Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
Visitation: Following the service at the church

Service: Memorial Service 3:00pm Sunday May 25, 2014 The Lutheran Chapel China Grove, North Carolina

Interment: Private Burial