Emma Lonie Brown Patten

Emma Lonie Brown Patten – 91
Of Lakeland, Georgia entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta. She was born on December 24, 1932 in Mt. Airy, Georgia to the late William Randol Brown and Sara Lonie Lawrence Brown.
At the age of eight, Emma faced the loss of her mother. Following this profound tragedy, she and her two younger siblings were raised at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home in Hapeville, Georgia. Despite the early hardships, Emma’s resilience and determination shone through as she pursued her education, graduating from Norman College in Norman Park, Georgia. It was there that she met her beloved Donald Patten, the love of her life.
Emma and Donald married in 1954, embarking on a journey together that spanned an incredible 65 years. Their bond was built on love, partnership, and shared devotion. Throughout their life together, Emma was not only a loving wife but a devoted mother and grandmother.
She worked alongside Donald at Patten Milling Company, contributing to the success of the family business. In addition to her work at the mill, Emma spent many years working at the Lanier County Board of Education, where her kindness and commitment left a lasting impact.
A steadfast member of the First Baptist Church of Lakeland, Emma’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. For many years, she was a dedicated member of the choir at First Baptist Church. Through all of life's challenges and triumphs, Emma's unwavering strength, love, and faith remained the foundation of her family and community.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Patten; four sisters: Selma DiGloria, Ruth Smith, Mildred Morris and Shirley Day and three brothers: Herman Brown, Bruce Brown and Hugh Brown.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne and Jerry Mathis of Lakeland, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Gerry Harris of Adel, Georgia; son, William Donald Patten, Jr. (Betty Walden) of Stockbridge, Georgia; son, John Randall Patten of Lakeland, Georgia; seven grandchildren: Curt Mathis (Crystal), Brooke Mathis, Brett Harris (Lindsay), Courtney Holley (Matt), Cody Harris (Amber), John Patten (Kristen), Megan Skinner (Lonnie); thirteen great grandchildren: Chloe Fender, Kimber Fender, Collins Mathis, Jillian Harris, Maxwell Harris, Harris Holley, Alenea Holley, Patten Holley, Oliver Harris, Olivia Harris, Emma Patten, Evelynn Skinner, Clayton Skinner; sister-in-law, Lois Nanette Davis of Lakeland, Georgia; brother-in-law, John Evans Patten of Valdosta, Georgia; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024 in the First Baptist Church of Lakeland with Rev. Stanley Luke and Rev. Tommy Bussey officiating. The committal service will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Lakeland, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the church. The family is accepting flowers or donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lakeland. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The Patten family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.