Lucretia "Lee" Patton

Lucretia "Lee" Patton passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2025, surrounded by loving family. Lee was born in Clinton, Tennessee on November 4, 1938, to Esco and Katherine Mason Collins. Lee graduated from Central High School in 1956 and attended the University of Tennessee where she belonged to Delta Zeta sorority. She received a B.S. in Business Administration as well as an M.B.A. Lee began her career at Union Carbide, working in the K-25 plant, eventually becoming the Chief Executive of Human Resources.

Lee Patton was exceptional. She was one of those rare, truly kind souls who was loved and respected by all who knew her. Lee has been described as unfailingly kind, sweet, and generous to a fault. She poured her heart and soul into her family in such a way that there was never any doubt about her love. Her true treasure was the love of her family – both human and fur.

Lee adored her daughter, Crystal, whom she lovingly called “her Little Toos”. Lee made sure to instill her kindness, compassion, and determination into her child, and she loved to see that same love passed along to her granddaughters.

Lee was a proud grandmother to three granddaughters, whom she called her “angels.” She always strived to make her time with them full of love, laughter, and fun, including the rather infamous incident when she got stuck on the merry-go-round rooster at Dollywood. Her eventual escape was greeted with laughter and applause from the crowd, and she smiled and laughed right along with them.

Lee was also known for her love of animals and her belief that pets were true members of the family. She had many fur babies over the years, but she had a special bond with her grand dogs and an uncanny connection with her grand horse Sonny. For years she also fed the birds and squirrels at her “crumb top café” so she could watch from her porch.

Lee was deeply involved in her community. She loved her “Mighty Vols” and threw the greatest of tailgates! She also enjoyed the nuances of politics and kept herself well-informed on current events.

She was a longtime member of Church Street Methodist Church, with whom she went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she found a deep spiritual fulfillment. Lee was also active in the Pathfinders Sunday School class and served in both United Methodist Women and Church Women United. She held leadership roles in Knox Heritage, the Cherokee Garden Club, the Symphony League, the Board of Directors of Ramsey House, and was President of Ossoli Circle.

Lee was also known for her philanthropy, even during her own pain. One particular event stands as a shining example. On the first anniversary of her husband's death, she single- handedly provided Christmas presents to all the cleaning staff of her church. Telling them to “give her a list and it’ll happen” she made it a reality. Lee found comfort in her loss by making others smile, and she happily went down the list each person made. At the end, she smiled and said “Pat would be proud”. She considered this the best way to honor her husband.

Lee was predeceased by her parents, her brother Troy, and her husband Finis (Pat) Patton. Lee is survived by her daughter Crystal Porter Garrett (Rhea), and their three daughters: Caroline, Katherine, and Laura Lee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ossoli Circle 2511 Kingston Pike, Knoxville TN 3791