Name: H.M. Patterson & Son Oglethorpe Hill
Address: Atlanta, GA

I will not forget Zoe Yang Pilgrim, the most wonderful dentist I experienced in my lifetime!
How I miss her!  
I still think of John, her most precious daughter and son that I met at her funeral; and realize that they surely miss her more than I ever could know.  God bless you and comfort you all as you go on in her memory!

John and Family,

I am very sorry for your loss. Dr. Philgrim was a wonderful person and dentist. Forgive my absence from the office. I'll come by soon.

John,
I'm truly sorry to hear of Zoe's passing. She was someone who I thought of often and I will have fond memories of forever. The two of you made my 'visit' (12 years) to the US easier, as you both shared an open mind and welcoming nature. The indelible mark that Zoe and you have left on my life can only be understood by those who have been privileged to visit your dental clinic and engage in conversation with you and Zoe; you are truly wonderful people. I"m back North of the border in Canada again. I send my blessings , thoughts and sympathy. Stay well my friend and enjoy the company of the wonderful legacy of Zoe and the children you both share.  Truly, Eric Schmidt

Dear Pilgrim and Gentle Dentist Families -
Please accept my hearthelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Zoe.  I just learned of her passing this week when I went in for my 6 mo cleaning.  

She was a phenomenal dentist and  always provided extra care for those of us who fear the dentist.  Dr. Zoe always had a quick smile and funny joke for you -- usually when her hands were in your mouth!  I've crunched on many a dental utensil when she would make me laugh out loud while scolding me during my exam becuase I didn't floss my back teeth.  

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.  She was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.

Kindest regards -

John and family,
    I'm sorry to hear this news.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry to hear this news! Thoughts go to you John and your children as well as everyone who was fortunate to know this wonderful, caring, hard working woman!

Dear John and family, and the entire team at the Gentle Dentist,

I am so, so sorry to hear of this news. Dr. Zoe was quite simply the best and kindest dentist I've ever met, and one of the best people as well. She always was able to make me laugh--usually when I had dental tools in my mouth and was unable to speak! There won't ever be anyone quite like her. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with Zoe's family. She was truly a beautiful angel, and I will miss her.

Dear John, children, Gentle Dentist team,
My heart is heavy hearing of this news just today. I had kept in touch with the ladies at the office as often as I could and send several note cards to Dr. Pilgrim, one of which she replied to with her usual fun, yet pleasant tone. Dr. Pilgrim was beyond a special person in my life. She new my horrific anxieties about going to the dentist and each time I arrived for an appt I relived those....but after 2 minutes in the chair and her strong, cheerful greeting - I was just fine. I will miss her and send prayers to her and all of you each day. May she rest in peace, free of all pain and suffering and walk forever beside you, John, and your wonderful children.

An important event occurred in my early years with the Dental practice.  After a routine cleaning, Zoe offered a reduced price to veneer the chief row of teeth that show in my smile.  During over 60 years of use, gaps had developed, corners had chipped---and worst of all---one tooth (that had been dead for 30 years or so) showed up especially dark and dreadfully ugly!
Standing In front of a mirror, I had begun taking notice of my smile a lot more.  I actually had become uncomfortably embarrassed enough that I had begun to smile a lot less--not truly a good solution!
But the most important reason that I desired improvement in my smile was because of my face being on display each evening before the people attending our Revival services.  (I either sing a song with sign-language just prior to my husband preaching---or interpret the entire message whenever Deaf are present.)
I think the discounted price Zoe quoted was thoughtfully taking into consideration the fact that our â€œSharing Groupâ€ does not cover dental expenses; and that our income for the most part depends on love offerings from rather small churches.
 She gave me time to think about it and soon I gratefully agreed for her to do the work.  She set in immediately and worked on my front teeth for the next two hours.  I was truly amazed at the stamina of one so physically small!
 When she was done, I couldn't have been any more surprised or pleased!  Zoe RETURNED the smile I had as a teenager!  For which I will ever be thankful!
 I often mentioned to her during her illness; that each time I brushed my teeth --- I was again pleased about the work she had done on my smile.  It served as a reminder to me to send up another prayer in her behalf!
 In my mind there will never be another Zoe Yang Pilgrim (even though she â€œhand-pickedâ€ Dr. Mixium) who I decided after my recent cleaning and two crowns---might come in the running for a close second!
 God bless you John, Henry, & Cassie and Zoe's parents.  May He personally be a comfort to you all in the coming days.  May your family always continue to cherish with gratitude the memories of the privilege of  having had a close relationship of one as uniquely precious as our dear Zoe!

Dr. Pilgrim was an inspirational person with the heart of an angel.  My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.  Denise Connor

About a week or so ago, I received a phone call at my house showing the name of Zoe Pilgrim as a missed call.  I had gone to Dr. Pilgrim for some extensive dental work over 12 or so years ago, so I was surprised to see that name on the telephone display, and was curious as to why her office might have been calling me.
  
Today, on a whim and at my workplace, I searched the internet for her office number, and called to see if anyone knew why someone there had called.  Long story, short, after discussing a couple of things, the person I was speaking with gently told me the sad, sad news.  

The first thought that came to my mind was how you were bearing the pain of losing her.  I remember how you were always in the office helping out, and how obvious it was that you absolutely adored your wife.  You talked about her with such love and respect, and I've never forgotten that.  While reading the beautiful bio you wrote about her life before meeting you, your lives together while falling in love, and your lives together as husband and wife - father and mother, my heart was slowly breaking apart. Yes, she was The Gentle Dentist, but there is so much more to a person than their day to day persona.  Thank you for sharing your heart and soul with those of us who knew a part of Zoe.  It was no accident that she met, married, and chose you to be the father of her children. I hope you never forget the role you played in her wonderful life, and how much of an influence the two of you have been to your children and everyone around you by the way you treated, loved, and respected each other.  May your precious Zoe rest in peace.

Sincerely,
Diane Banks Leonard

Hello John,

Zoe was a an incredible person, and I knew this the day I met her. Nothing in your wonderful BIO of her surprises me. I was always jealous of your relationship with her, that you too were such a wonderful couple. Going to the Dentist will never be the same. I will always remember her, and think of you too. See you around Chamblee buddy.

Dear Pilgrim family,
I wanted to send my condolences for your loss. I really enjoyed seeing both Dr. Pilgrim and John at our appointments. We felt like we were visiting a family, not merely going to the dentist. She will be in my prayers, along with all who miss her.

Dear Pilgrim Family,
It is with great sadness that I read of Dr. Pilgrim's passing.  She has been my dentist since 2000 and was always  smiling and jovial.  Her dental skills were awesome and I always looked forward to my appointments.

I was saddened to hear of her illness several years ago and have kept up with her progress with each phone call or office visit.  I never gave up hope for a positive outcome... as long as Zoe fought a good fight, I was right there with her in spirit.

With you in your sadness...

Well, John I read the above words you put on paper and you did one heck of a job describing Dr. Pilgrim. All my life I hated going to the dentist until I walked in her office. I was a big baby. But she had everything set up to mask the discomfort for me and she also had a way about her that just struck the right chord! She was serious and yet--funny, hard and yet--soft, cut straight to the point and yet--kind and all business and but--patient. I have missed her over the past few years and she struggled to whip the cancer. I always figured if anyone could lick it it would be her. Since I have been coming the lady who has stepped in has been just fine, but not the same for me as Dr. Pilgrim. I sure did miss her and I will miss her going forward. Your words were truly on target. I am sorry for you and the rest of the family's loss. I will keep her and you in my thoughts and may God bless you all!

Very hard for me. She took a  frightened patient and made me loyal customer at her dental place. I'm.a better person for knowing her.

Hello John,
I am thankful to Jason Waldrop for sharing your biography of Zoe with me.  What a lovely, compassionate and compelling portrait of Zoe, you,your family AND extended family.  Actually, I did not want it to end...I wanted to meet the children, too.  Maybe you could send some photos sometime.
It has been over 3 decades since I have seen you, John, but the moment I saw your name my memory opened to your visage and your kind and gentle spirit.
My fondest regards to you in this period of profound loss and grief. I am sad,too. You introduced Zoe to me in such a personal, intimate, animated way that I felt that I knew her. What an amazing
person.
Maybe in the Spring we could have a small MHS reunion.  I have mentioned this to Libby Hatmaker and Jason.
My thoughts are with you. I am certain that you have great friends and family for support on this dark part of the journey. 
Dixie, formerly known as Ms.Card

I heard about the loss through several coworkers and friends and even people I did not know in the community.  I never knew Zoe BC I was not a patient. But I always heard amazing things about her. Such as she was loved for her--kindness,talent, wit, smile, spunk, laughter, dedication, professionalism, and friendship. I have driven past Dr. Pilgrims office to work for almost 20 years. And I really wish I would have known her. I know she was an amazing person and its so touching to know she was loved so much. Prayers are going your way. And God Bless. Dee Aycock Teacher Midvale Elementary.

Zoe was my collegemate 36 years ago.  During our time, I have to say that we were not so much as friends, nor did we even have an occasion to chat, other than recognizing each other.  My impression of her focuses on the image that she was running on a bicycle toward classes and off classes, with her short hair flying in the windâ€¦..  An anecdote made me distinguish her from other girls; it is her strikingly boyish bullish look with an always cheerful and animated attitude, something that was quite amusing and energy-making to everyone; thus everyone liked to hang out with her.   

Zoe and I belong to the same age of modern China.  The same birth year situates us both in the same zodiac position, namely, rooster.  I remember in one of those college years, someone of our dear fellows of the rooster zodiac suggested that we should round up all roosters to form a club.  We didâ€¦â€¦and we had lots of rooster fun; one of those was that she sang a solo, like a real rooster.  We thus learned that she was actually on a career path to performing art, before she abruptly switched to the medical career.  At her last birthday not long ago, I turned to realize that she was my little sister rooster of one month junior.  We were said to inherit the so-called rooster characters of being strongly minded, somewhat ambitious and idealistic, committed to a certain deed, meticulous in details, and many others.  These rooster traits have brought Zoe and me to a similar path of life: a hard fought career in the country where we dreamed for, a fast-paced daily life that is practically self-imposed, a tendency of constantly relating our painful past to what we have achieved, a passion of tasting the history of humanity as our inward joy, and a family we love.    

Reminiscent of the turmoil in American society derived from the Civil Right Movement, the Vietnam War, the Hippie, HIV during the 1960s-70s, my rooster generation were the same Forrest Gump in Chinese version, except for a different reason.  My generation, so strongly as Zoe, always considers that we are a lost generation, a generation lost in a senseless revolution that was in an insane effort to demonize and overthrow the culture we live on.  It was during this time when our grandparents, parents, and eventually ourselves were deprived of opportunities of the simple everyday life of a being, of loving someone because of kinship or friendship, of reading Plato or Don Quixote, of listening to Mozart or Rachmaninov , of learning English or French, of studying for a career of our choiceâ€¦â€¦  The rooster generation was so just caught up at the peak of the chaos that our middle-high schooling was practically a sham operation.  College was close for years; and none of us ever ever dreamed that in this world we would one day, walk out of the labor farm, and sit in a room of exotically escalating railing seats in a quiet garden place called university!  It was in this stride from the bottom to become a better human Zoe became what she has been.  Her gut and determination to become the ideal in her mind was never shaken during her life.  

She loves her school, her schoolmates, her profession, her coworkers, her family who all are indispensable ingredients of her life.  She unambiguously made her dream come true.        

Zoe and I had not talked to each other for almost 30 years until 3 years ago, when I was fortunate enough to make good friend with her and her family.  I have not foreseen an ending of such a tragic loss of her, which eventually brought us and the two families so close and so teaching.  So close that I could feel her excruciating pain, so teaching that I have never imagined that I could have a life lesson from my dear rooster sister.

From Zoe I have heard the sound of a soul to strive for her survival, the sound that is so courageous, full of energy, so heavy, full of harshness, so persistent and durable, so bullish and burningâ€¦â€¦  That makes me helplessly reckon the essence of life.  Her endeavor of fighting for life has been a living lecture to me on how beautiful life has been, how worthy one ought to fight for.  Life deserves us to cherish, to embrace, to linger, especially when pain drives human beyond suffering.  In her battle, as she had always been, Zoe had chosen to be a courageous warrior.  The spirit of a soul to be strong, to overcome, to win, to defeat, was never quenched.  I truly believe that Zoe is in peace in the heavenly world, with no regret, because she has already accomplished such a fruitful life.    

â€œI want to live, because life is good!â€  Life is good, becauseâ€¦â€¦it isâ€¦â€¦really good; is it not the simple truth that Zoe and her wonderful life have proved to us?      

Dear Zoe, you have been one of us; you will always be one of us. We love you forever.

So sorry to hear of you loss John. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Zoe but I can tell from her kind eyes and smile that she was a truly good person. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Zoe,

You'll be deeply missed by your family and friends. You will be remembered by many as an enthusiastic, and loving individual with an astonishing sense of humor. You were truly a gift to all of us.  Thank you.  I'll miss you my dear friend.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 

With love,
Terry Strode

John, although you and I only worked together a short while, I thought about you often when I passed the "Gentle Dentist" sign going to and from Chamblee High School with my son. It always struck me how special your relationship with Zoe must be to have worked together so closely, as your sweet tribute clearly demonstrates.  My sincere sympathies on your loss.

John, I'm so sorry to hear about Zoe. I still remember those wonderful stories you told me at the Court of Appeals about your family life with Zoe. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Zoe, your sweet smile and sense of humor always stay with me forever.

Dear John,

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Zhuohui. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.  May God's blessings and peace be with you and your wonderful family.

With Love,

Annie and Yi

Dr. Pilgrim was a wonderful person and a fabulous Dentist.  I have been her patient since 2000.  She was always smiling and friendly.  John, my prayers are with you and your family.  May God comfort you as only He can.

We had the privilege to know Zoe 40 years ago when she and we attended the same middle school in Guangzhou.  After graduation our lives took different paths until 20 years ago when our roads crossed again in Atlanta.  We will for ever remember Zoe's positive attitude. She was always optimistic, had a great sense of humor, and very fun to be around.  She will be missed.

John, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

We have the privilege to know Zoe 40 years when she and we were attending middle school together in Guangzhou, China. After graduation our lives took different paths until 1990 when roads crossed again in Atlanta. We will for ever remember Zoe's positive attitude. She was always optimistic and has a great sense of humor. She was very fun to be around. We will miss her.

John, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Uncle John - what a beautiful story!  We are very sorry for your loss.  Thinking of you all.

A Hui: we were roommates for two years, I always remember your kindness, brightness and your humor. I am proud to be your classmate and friend. You are in our heart forever.

John, We are privileged to have been touched by Zoe's warmth and caring spirit.  You and your family are in our prayers.

Very, very sorry for your loss.  She was a bright soul in our lives and took great care of us as our dentist for many years.

The Mabee-Cartwright Family

Mr John.... I am so sorry for your loss.  Zoe was a really sweet lady.  She definitely worked hard and was 'the gentle dentist'.  I have been a patient of hers for several years.  I enjoyed reading what you wrote in her biography.  What I have to say will not remove the pain but Zoe is in a better place now.  Her passing is like graduating with honors to the next level of existence.   She is watching over you guys and telling you that everything thing will be ok.  I will be praying that you and your family will be overcome with peace.  
Bryan Thurston (Atlanta, GA)

Johnny:  I wish I had the words to help with the grief and pain you, Henry and Cassie are going through at this sad time. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers and that we love you all.

What an incredible life journey you shared with us about Dr. Pilgrim.  We will miss her in the dental arena.  She truly was an inspiration!  Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you peace and surround each of you with His love.

I was a patient of Dr. Pilgrim and never ceased to be amazed at her humor, generosity and love of life.  My family and I will miss her always and NEVER forget her.  Rest in peace Dr. Pilgrim and blessings on your family at this time.

JOHN
ZOE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AS YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR HER. HER SPIRIT IS THE GIFT THAT GOD HAS BROUGHT INTO ALL OF OUR LIVES.
WE ARE MOST HONORED TO BE A SMALL PART OF YOUR FAMILY - CERTAINLY, AFTER HER MIGHTY STRUGGLE , SHE WILL BE TAKEN GENTLY TAKEN INTO THE HANDS OF GOD.
WE PROMISE TO KEEP  ZOE , YOU , HENRY AND CASSIE IN OUR DAILY PRAYERS -
OUR GRACIOUS LORD AND SAVIOR.

My thoughts are with your whole family. Zoe, rest in peace.

Zoe you will always be in my heart.  RIP Zoe. Love you.

John, what a precious tribute to your amazing wife.  Your love story is such a testimony to the power of love and a lasting legacy of Zoe to your children. Thank you for sharing her story; it is the story of an woman who was clearly larger than life.  I am praying for you, Henry and Cassie.

Such a beautiful tribute John.  As I looked at the pictures, and read about her wonderful spirit  I realized that there is so much of Zoe in Cassie. A beautiful person inside and out.  Our prayers are with you and your family.  I hope that time will soften the heartache and sadness that you all feel at this time.  Love and Peace from Liz and Mike.

I have prayed for your family for months. Kate graduated last yr. with Henry. I will continue praying for all of you. RENEE ANDERSON

Zoe was always such a pleasure to be around.  I am so sorry for your loss and I know that Oscar would have been very saddened to hear of her passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lane Tharp

John, your Biography was as precious to read as it was to have known such a special person as Zoe Yang Pilgrim.  I was her patient for around 10 years and I had never met such a sweet and compassionate person.  She certainly lived up to her office name of "Gentle" Dentist!" 
    I was in and out of the office many times through those years.  We became special friends after she developed the cancer since I also had gone through cancer and chemotherapy.  We would talk of her symptoms and treatments, but I never heard a word of complaint, just courage to continue the fight!
     How she would thank me over and over for my concern, my e-mails, my phone calls, and prayers!  (I regret that my own health in much of the past year kept me from as regular  contact as I would have liked.)  Keeping in mind her physical weakness, I just mostly kept up with her through those in the Dental office.
     She will be missed by family, dental patients, and everyone that knew her!  May our God be close to your family at this time!

PS The dentists she found to continue her practice are truly following in her steps!  I have had cleaning and two crowns done in recent days and couldn't be any more pleased!

We will always remember the great spirit of Dr. Pilgrim as our "warrior" dentist and know that she will be missed by her friends, family, and loyal patients.  Our sincere wishes to John and family.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Our prayers are of peace and comfort for her loving family. She was so loved by family and friends.Our thoughts are with you always.

Johnny, may God bless you and your family. my thoughts and prayers are with you. Accept my deepest sympathies.

I will see you on Wed. Zoe was very helpful to me when I began working with her. She was a great dentist and someone I could always go to when I needed to talk. She will be missed. My heart goes out to John, Henry, and Cassie.

Johnny, Henry and Cassie, you are in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with this loss.  Please let me know if I can help in anyway.   Janice Farr (Johnny's Cousin)

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Zhuohui Yang Pilgrim, DDS

8 décembre 1957 – 18 janvier 2014

H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel

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