Caren Will Patton

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Caren Louise Patton, age 89, of Virginia Beach who passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Caren was born on May 31, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri. Early in life, she moved to Virginia, where she built a life centered on family, education, faith, and service to others. She graduated from Granby High School before continuing her education at James Madison University, where she was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Lambda sorority and Alpha Gamma Delta Honor Society. After marrying she devoted herself to raising two children while continuing a career in education.

She taught at Bayside Junior High School. She dedicated her career to educating middle school students, remaining there until her retirement. In addition to teaching mathematics, she proudly served as the school's cheerleading coach, encouraging her students both in and out of the classroom. Known for her high standards, discipline, and unwavering commitment to her students, many affectionately nicknamed her "Sergeant Patton." Though she was firm, she cared deeply about helping every student succeed and inspired countless young people throughout her career.

Following retirement, she found joy in life's simple pleasures. She was a devoted church member who loved gardening, reading, crocheting, creating latch hook rugs, painting ceramic pots, and sewing. One of her greatest joys was taking walks with her grandchildren and creating cherished memories with her family.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Donald Parker Will and Ruth Emma Hobart Will; her brother, Donald Parker Will Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Evan Crow.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure her memory: her children, Sherri Louise Patton Cordon and Floyd Jackson Patton IV; her seven grandchildren, Kevin Lee Helton (Bethany), Nathan Richard Cordon (Joanna), Delicia Lenora Cordon, Karessa Louise Brandii Cordon, Katie Renea Lewis (Matt), Floyd Jackson Patton V (Kristina), and Bryce Parker Patton. She was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Elijah, Gavin, Blake, Nathan Jr, Cole, Demarrie, Atalia, Xylah, Jonah, Ethan, Caleb, and Floyd; one great-great-granddaughter, Violet; and sister Nancy Will Crow. She also leaves behind two cherished family friends, Elizabeth Donald and Ashley Early, who were like family to her. She loved them as her own and was a second grandmother to both, offering them the same warmth, guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love that she gave to her own grandchildren. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, along with extended family who will cherish her memory.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated first responders of the Virginia Beach Fire and Rescue and the compassionate trauma ICU nurses at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided during her final days.

Her legacy lives on through the countless students she inspired, the family she cherished, and the many lives she touched with her strength, wisdom, and love. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home located at 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate her life.