Davene was born February 22, 1947, in Nacogdoches, Texas, the firstborn child and only daughter of Dave Patterson and wife, Avell Whitehead Patterson. She passed away, March 22, 2021 in Nacogdoches. In about 1950, the family moved to the community of Etoile where Davene grew up attending both Etoile Elementary School and Woden High School. She graduated Salutatorian of her Class of 1965.
Davene continued her formal education at Stephen F. Austin State University where she attained a Master’s degree in Education. She realized her dream of becoming a teacher when she taught school first in Jefferson, Texas in 1970. She later returned to Etoile where she served as an elementary school teacher for a number of years.
On July 21, 1978, Davene married the love of her life, Larry J. Woods. Along with Larry, Davene shared a keen interest in historical research, genealogy and travel. Over the course of the next several decades they engaged in many research projects both independently and for various oil companies.
The most notable thing about Davene was her caring and nurturing spirit. Everyone who was blessed to know her and those who were just acquainted with her realized her willingness to give of herself in the time of need. Her beautiful love was reflected in the host of friends and relatives who stood by her during her brief but valiant final struggle. Davene loved and trusted God throughout her entire life. She often spoke of the grace of God and she continued to praise Him until her last breath.
Davene always held firm to her conservative principles and traditional American values. She was a strong Texas woman who never backed down whenever truth and fairness were at stake. Those of us left in her absence already miss her strong and loving presence; Heaven has been greatly embellished.
Davene was preceded in death by her husband, Larry J. Woods and by her father, Dave Patterson. She is survived by her mother, Avell Patterson, her brother, John Mark Patterson, her sister-in-law, Karen D. Patterson and her nephew, Johnathan Mark Patterson, all of Nacogdoches. She is also survived by her nieces, Tara Weber Beasley and Amy Kobialka and by her nephew Daniel Work.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 25, 2021, at Eastside United Pentecostal Church officiated by Bro. Ennis Fuller and Bro. Glen Morton. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
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