Mary Frances Patterson
Mary Frances Royer Patterson (98) passed away on October 2nd, 2024 in her home at Brookdale in Staunton.
She was born on May 11, 1926, in Grottoes, Virginia to the late Wilbert M. Royer and Minnie Morris Royer. She was preceded in death by all of her siblings: Charles, Herman, Edna Aldie Royer Miller, Samuel, Norwood, George, Marvin (Nelson), Wilbert (Junior), and Billie.
Mary was also preceded in death by her husband William F. Patterson (2003) and her son Calvin E. Patterson (2006). She is survived by her son Curtis F. Patterson (Faye) of Grottoes and his children Dana Palmer (Kevin) of Charlottesville and Jill Lemery of Cape Charles, VA. She had three great grandchildren that she adored: Jacob Rhodes, Nathan Palmer, and Abigail Blaire Palmer.
Mary was a strong, independent woman throughout her life. She got married at 17. Her first job was at DuPlan in Grottoes. While Bill was away in the Navy, Mary purchased their life-long home in Grottoes for just $3,000. She was proud to say that she borrowed the money without anyone else signing for her! Her next jobs were at DuPont in Waynesboro and ASR in Verona. Bill then returned from the Navy and Mary pursued her cosmetology license in Charlottesville. She opened her own beauty shop attached to her home in Grottoes, without any formal business training.
Mary enjoyed crafting, driving, and shopping. She attended Grottoes United Methodist Church and made many life-long friends there. She battled multiple bouts with cancer, but it was the loss of her sight that finally slowed her down. She stayed in her Grottoes home until spring 2022, when she moved to Waynesboro Manor. Her final residence was Brookdale in Staunton, VA.
A service celebrating Mary's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at Edgewood Cemetery with Pastor Guy Hudson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grottoes United Methodist Church, PO Box 5, Grottoes, VA 24441.
Online condolences may be made at johnsonfs.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Grottoes.
