Georgia Ann Barnett Patterson

Georgia Ann Barnett-Patterson was born in Birmingham, Alabama on August 30, 1931 to the union of Oscar and Claudia Mae Barnett. The only daughter of three children Georgia was often referred to as a “Daddy’s Girl”, whatever they may have called her one thing was for sure, Georgia loved her father and this love was very evident by the way she treated and cared for him. It was during her early years that she developed a strong sense of family that was instilled in her by her father, who always told her to never forget her roots and the love for her family. Georgia was surrounded by great men that loved and protected her, five brothers, Oscar R. Barnett Jr., Cornell Barnett Sr., Phil Barnett, Arthur Hurd and Jesse Cook.

Georgia attended Washington, Grammar School where she received her early childhood education. She continued her education and graduated from Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1950. Soon after she met and married her first love Mr. Bennie L. Jolly Sr., of this twenty year union two children were born, Janice L. Peoples and Bennie L. Jolly Jr. Georgia attended the Winona Trade school in Birmingham, Alabama where she received her state license as a Licensed Practical Nurse. It was as a nurse that she was able to share her gift of caring and compassionate service for her fellow man. Georgia viewed her role as a nurse as “a privilege”; a way to serve others and would often volunteer to work extra shifts at the hospital when called upon. With a heart of gold, Georgia shared her love of people with all of the patients she cared for. Many of her patient’s and co-workers would ultimately feel like part of her family and would routinely show up at family parties and events.

Georgia was raised in Birmingham, Alabama where through the love and guidance of her family she developed a deep sense of family pride and a strong educational foundation. Her education and development was influenced significantly by her cousin and mentor Epatha Walker from Montgomery, Alabama who was a school teacher for many years and later went on to achieve the position of principal for the Montgomery, Alabama school district. Affectionately known as Cousin Epatha, Georgia would recall fondly the summers she spent with her cousin at her home in Montgomery. Although she was a strict disciplinarian when it came to education and a strong advocate on southern etiquette she also provided many memories of love and support and instilled in Georgia the deep love of family. It was through this lifelong relationship that Georgia learned about her rich family history and her long lineage that lead back to the years of slavery and the story of Cassandra, the full blooded Cherokee Indian who was the knot or trunk of the family tree. It was from these humble beginnings, that the Barnett family members from all over the country traditionally come together in remembrance to celebrate the reunion of family.

Georgia worked for several years at University hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. She later traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend a nursing convention, it was here where she discovered that true love could be found twice in one lifetime. During a break in one of the seminars, Georgia met a dashing young man dressed in neat military attire, it was Mr. John V. Patterson of Detroit, Michigan. The two fell deeply in love and were married on December 11, 1971 at the Little Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada. Georgia and Pat enjoyed their lives together and during his career in the military, traveled and lived in some fascinating countries like the Philippines and Spain along with several cities in the state of Texas. Along the way they meet many friends that would ultimately become like family and who have remained as part of their lives throughout the years. Upon her return to Las Vegas, Georgia worked at Sunrise hospital for a few years and later transferred to Valley hospital. Georgia retired from Valley hospital after working a full nursing career that spanned over five decades, in September 2001.

Georgia will forever be remembered by her beautiful smile, her warm and caring heart and her deep love of family and friends. Her husband, Mr. John V. Patterson has since preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn, her devoted children Janice and Lewis Peoples and Bennie and Deborah Jolly, step-daughter Ms. Vanesia Johnson, one sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Barnett, one brother Mr. Jesse Cook, four grandchildren, Tandeleya Peoples, Lewis E. Peoples III, Jasmine M. Jolly and LeShun D. Jolly, two step-grandchildren, Brandon Williams and Britny Williams, six great-grandchildren, Zeriya Peoples, LeShun Wilson, Shanya Graves, Zakai Weaver, Anniah Jolly and Giselle Weaver along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.