Mary Jo Patterson

Mary Jo Patterson was born November 9, 1929, in Fairfield, Texas. Mary went to be with the Lord on August 11, 2026. Mary was of the greatest generation that worked hard, cared for her family, made do with what she had, did what she said, and was very independent. The greatest generation survived The Depression, World War II, and many challenges in their lifetimes. Mary was one of the last family members of that generation. Mary Jo was called many names: Mama, Mom, Nanny, Mary, Mary Jo, and Miss Mary. During her 96 years, Mary had many roles in life: daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, homemaker, waitress, shoe store manager, deacon's wife, gardener, Sunday schoolteacher, WMA leader, leader of golden circle for senior members at church, 4-h leader, nursing aid, LVN, director of nurses, and most important of all a Christian. Mary married George Alvis Patterson on June 21, 1947, and they lived in Corsicana, Wink, and Fairfield during their 74 years until George passed away in 2022. Mary was a devoted Christian and was a member of Butler Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, and Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield during her lifetime. Mary loved to cook for her family, friends, and church. She and George opened their home to many pastors and evangelists for summer revivals through the years and were treated to her meals. Her specialty was Nanny's Beans and Deserts. It was said by family members that she could go into a kitchen where there was nothing and make a delicious meal. Miss Mary did not waste anything. She lived "waste not want not", she enjoyed gardening and her favorite hobbies were reading and crocheting. She loved to make crocheted family names and afghans. Everybody loved them and treasured her beautiful creations. Mary Jo is survived by her daughter, Dianne Parks and husband Ken of Kilgore, daughter, Joanne DeMoss of Fairfield; grandchildren Justin Parks and wife Jamie of Hudson, Nikkie Snider and husband Jeff of Prosper, Josh DeMoss and Suzanne of Fredericksburg; great grandchildren Case, Coulter, Jaxson, Kemper, Hailey and Hannah; sister-in-law, Jeannie Trojacek of Ennis, Earlene Patterson of St. Cloud, Florida; nephews Maurice Burleson of Fairfield and Clyde Ridge of Wortham. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, George, her parents, Will and Annie Crook; sisters, Liddie Bell, Lura Mae, Rena Faye and many friends and neighbors in the Fairfield and Freestone County area. The family would like to thank the Fairfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their care of our mother during her stay. We appreciate all the loving care her nurses Jessica and Elizabeth gave her. We also appreciate Dr. White and all the staff of the nursing home. The doctors and staff at UT Health in Jacksonville provided excellent care and compassion during her illness. Graveside services will be 2:00pm August 18th at Antioch Cemetery with Bro. Andrew Douglas, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church officiating. Pallbearers will be Justin Parks, Jeff Snider, Josh DeMoss, Case Parks, Marvin Mullins and James Fuller. Honorary Pallbearers will be Coulter Parks, Jaxson Snider, Clyde Ridge, J.D. McCleod and Maurice Burleson.

Mary Jo Patterson

November 9, 1929 - August 11, 2026