Dorothy Edith "Dot" Jones Patton

Dorothy Edith Jones Patton (“Dot”), 94, passed away peacefully at her home on September 16, 2014. She is preceded in death by her parents George and Susan Jones; her husband Dr. William Burgamy Patton (“Bill”); her children Susan Patton Cunningham and John Walker Patton; her sister Ethel Bisher and brothers Robert and Edward Jones; and her sister-in-law Sara Patton Meacham.

She is survived by her daughter Nancy Patton Thornley and son-in-law John Thornley; her granddaughter Mary Edith Cunningham and grandson-in-law Stuart Slonaker; her daughter-in-law Patricia Wadlow Patton; her grandchildren Sara Ann Thornley, George Meacham Patton, Leigh Walker Patton, James Daniel Patton, and Matthew Robert Patton; great-grandchildren Samuel Cunningham Slonaker, Robert Patton Slonaker, Caleb Anthony Patton, and Juniper Leigh Patton; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Dot was born on July 15, 1920, in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, a place she always cherished. After playing basketball in high school, she earned her college nursing degree in 1942. Shortly after, she enlisted in the United States Army to serve her country as a registered nurse in World War II. She earned the rank of First Lieutenant and received a medal for her service in the European Theater.

While in England, she met Bill, who was serving as an Army surgeon. They fell in love and married there. After the war, they moved to his native Alabama and settled in Mobile in 1950. Their beautiful home on Dog River has been a haven and gathering place for the family for almost 65 years.

Dot joined Bill in adventures as a pilot and learned to fly herself. They also loved the water, especially sailing on the “Blue Dot” and enjoying family time on Dauphin Island. Dot played a crucial role supporting Bill’s career as a neurosurgeon, raising their children and serving in the Medical Auxiliary Society. After his retirement in the 1970s, they enjoyed several years fishing and camping in their Airstream trailer.

Dauphin Way United Methodist Church was a focal point of Dot’s life. She was an integral part of the Meals on Wheels program for over 40 years, an experience she enjoyed sharing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also served the church’s Mason School of Continuing Education and drew inspiration from her church circle and Kathy Jorgenson’s Sunday school class. In recognition of her contributions, Dauphin Way recently named Dot an honorary steward of the church.

Dot was a deeply religious person but also very much a woman of this world—without question, a “woman who dared.” She had a sharp mind and quick wit; her quips kept us smiling, but she could also deliver a zinger that put you in your place at the appropriate time. She loved gardening, bird-watching, playing golf, and spending time with friends. She was an avid reader with an affinity for classical music, opera, and Shakespeare (especially with the Shakespeare Club). Travel was also her passion. She wanted to see as much of the world as possible and enjoyed many trips abroad and all over this country with family and friends. She never stopped learning and growing as a person.

We give special thanks to the caregivers at Peace of Mind, who extended such kindness and friendship to Dot in recent years and helped make it possible for her to remain in her home, something that was very important to her. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our close friend and family matriarch, but she will always be a part of us and we are grateful that she is resting peacefully.

We invite friends to join us in a celebration of her life at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church on Friday, September 19: visitation at 1 p.m., service at 2 p.m., and burial at Pine Crest at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Dot would appreciate a donation to Dauphin Way’s Meals on Wheels program or to the Disabled American Veterans. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com. Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.