Lelia Patterson

Lelia O’Barr Patterson, 90, left this life late Saturday night, May 16, 2026, to arrive early for Sunday morning worship in heaven. Lelia was born May 12, 1936, the daughter of Tom Jones and Vera Gates O’Barr.

She grew up in the Anthony Sawmill community near Calion where she attended Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. She met and married the love of her life, Ralph Thomas Patterson, at age 15. With him, she enjoyed 71 years filled with travel, fishing, camping, children, and her dogs. Together they had three sons, but lost the middle one, Joe Allen to cancer at age one on Mother’s Day and her birthday and her oldest, Stephen Ray in 2014.

Lelia was a loyal friend. She treasured her church friends, her work friends, and her TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) friends. She had several close friends, but the closest was Linda Morgan. They even got their GED diplomas together and made a trip to see Elvis while Lelia was on crutches! Lelia was very proud of her years working at B. W. Reeves department store on the square and her years in TOPS where she held several offices and won many awards. She also served faithfully in church, with Gethsemane Missionary Baptist being her final church.

Lelia was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Lois Holmes, Richard O’Barr, and Betty Jo Williams, her husband, Ralph, sons, Stephen and Joe, and daughter-in-law, Teresa Rodgers Patterson.

She is survived by her son Charles Patterson and wife, Mikki, grandson Trent Patterson and wife, Lavonne, granddaughter Tasha Raley, grandson Travis Patterson and wife, Jessica all of El Dorado and grandson Chase Patterson and wife, Heather of Plano, TX, ten great grandchildren, seven bonus great grands, and one great-great grandson.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Bro. Shawn Welchman and Bro. Jacob Schumacher. Interment will follow in Old Parker’s Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Online condolences may be expressed for the Patterson family at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.