Marilyn Burke Patterson

Marilyn Mary Burke Patterson, beloved wife, sister, and friend passed away peacefully with her husband by her side Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Marilyn’s unwavering faith in God was a guiding light for all who knew her and who were touched by her gentle loving spirit, humility, grace, and kindness. The hallmarks of a life well lived.

Marilyn was born to Jim and Louise Burke of Vestavia Hills, Alabama on January 22, 1948. She spent her early years from kindergarten through grammar school in the Vestavia City School system. It was at that time that she and a neighboring group of little girls became the “1st Friends Group.” A group who maintained that special friendship all through the years eventually evolving into a spiritual support and prayer group praying for anyone and everyone in need.

After grammar school, she attended Berry High School and then Samford University where she graduated in 1970. While at Samford, Marilyn, with the backing of her parents, became instrumental in the establishment of the Delta Theta Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority where she served as vice president her senior year. Marilyn was a very active and much loved member of Kappa Delta, and her family hosted many parties and special events for the sorority throughout her time there.

Completing her education, Marilyn became an elementary school teacher at Vestavia Hills Elementary. A superior teacher, her dedication to teaching and love for the children coupled with her know-how and loving sweetness earned her the coveted Teacher of the Year Award her first year there. And it was while teaching there that she met the love of her life, Bob Patterson.

Bob and Marilyn married in 1978 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church where they became active members of the congregation and the community. Just recently in May of this year, they celebrated forty-seven very happy and fulfilling years together.

After marrying, Marilyn and Bob eventually moved to Montgomery, Alabama where Marilyn continued teaching at Central Alabama Academy for a number of years. Eventually they decided to relocate back to Vestavia Hills where they have remained.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Louise Burke of Vestavia, Alabama, and her sister, Bonnie Burke Mellin, of Atlanta, Georgia and Vestavia Hills, Alabama.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Bobby Patterson; Brother, James Joseph Burke of Vestavia Hills; Nephew, Scott Malcolm Bryant and his wife, Julie Carwie Bryant of Homewood; Nieces, Rachel Wilkinson Burke of Vestavia Hills, Julie Louise Burke of Vestavia Hills, and Catherine Burke Phillips of Vestavia Hills; Great nephews, James Parker Bryant, Nicholas Scott Bryant, Burke Gentry, and Bobby Phillips; Great Nieces, Olivia Gentry and Kate Gentry. She is also survived by many other much-loved relatives and dear friends.

Marilyn was a wonderful Christian, sensitive and caring throughout her life. We are at peace knowing that she is now with the Lord and loved ones in Heaven.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation and reception with the family beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15th, at Ridout’s Valley Chapel located at 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama 35209. Marilyn’s Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will begin immediately following at 3:00 p.m.

If desired, the family will graciously accept flowers or memorial contributions made to any children’s charity and, in particular, Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham by visiting their website at https://www.childrensal.org

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.