Janet "Jay" Patterson

Janet “Jay” Patterson, age 59, passed away on April 12, 2014 at her home in Deltona with her family by her side. Jay was born on Aug 13, 1954 to Sherman Earl Franks and Lola Jean Tillman. Jay is survived by her beloved husband; Kenny Patterson, 4 sons; Jason (Julie) Patterson, Cliff (Bri) Patterson, Brad (Krissy) Patterson and Dusty Patterson, Mother; Lola Jean Finley, 3 grandchildren; Kyle, Hannah and Shelby, 3 brothers; Darryl, Randy and Lee, she was predeceased in death by her father (Sherman Franks)

A service to remember and celebrate her legacy and servant’s heart will be held, Saturday, April 19th at The Journey at First Baptist, 975 E. Graves Ave, Orange City at 10 am. Interment will follow in Osteen Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Deltona Memorial Funeral Home 386-775-4260.

Please visit www.deltonamemorialfuneralhome.com to leave tributes of condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, family request donations can be made to Christian Broadcasting Network. , https://www.cbn.com/giving/700club/option.aspx?intcmp=GVSL0005_index.aspx&c=1, or, the family will accept the gifts to charity and distribute them accordingly, Checks or cash accepted, Please make checks payable to Kenneth Patterson's .

Dear Jay,

What do we tell them? What could we say to honor the beauty, humility, and grace that comprised your character for 59 years? Despite the fact that a challenge called “small cell” came unannounced in 2011, you fought with courage. “After having done everything, you stood firm” (Ephesians 6:13) 2 ½ years longer than any doctor foresaw. Then the familiar voice of your sweet Savior, Jesus, said, “It’s time”. (April 12, 2014)

We love you, Jay. We love you for your constant, contagious smile and your sincerity. You gave of your time, attention, and wisdom “as freely as you received” (John 13:35). Your given name, Janet, was perfectly picked.

Janet means God is gracious. And God is gracious to us, even in our sadness.

We remember well the genuine qualities that captured the heart of your sandy-haired country boy, Kenny. August 14, 1971 two lives became one and now we are graced with a testimony of devotion written over 41 years of marriage. Always in love, you kissed and corrected four “baby boys” until they became men. As a mother-in-law nurturing, unrestrained compassion threw the “in-law” out the window and three daughters were “born” into your heart, experiencing a belonging that few ever find.

You got grandbabies too! You saw the eldest grow up and go off to college, the middle start writing her name, and the youngest was so proud to tell you she went “potty!”

As a daughter that always sought to honor, a sister so willing to serve, you have been a loyal friend to all - whether it was a friendship of two weeks or two decades.

We can tell them the facts, Jay:

• born August 13, 1954 in Barto, Florida

• Moved to Sanford, FL 1967

• Hobbies and Interests included:

o Transforming any and every plant imaginable from a tiny seed into a flourishing oasis for butterflies and humming birds

o Inventing the word “Upcycle” and demonstrating it daily by rescuing a brass pot or wrought iron yard ornament from “Death Row” at the family business (American Auto Salvage and Recycling) and transformed it into something, creative, aesthetic, and/ or functional

o Rekindling the love of photography that began as a young woman- capturing garden, grandkids, and everything in between

o Classic cars - a hobby or interest? No, a complete knowledge. Customers and employees alike marveled at your ability to patiently advise indigent customers that, “No there aren’t any men in the office” and “Yes, I am capable of telling you the part you need and if we have it”

• Coconut flavored-anything

We know you are

• Survived by mother and step-father (Lola and Bob Finely), husband (Kenny), 4 sons (Jason, Cliff, Brad, Dusty), 3 daughters (Julie, Bri, Krissy), 3 grandchildren (Kyle, Hannah, Shelby), and 3 brothers (Darryl, Randy, Lee)

But on Saturday, April 19th @ The Journey at First Baptist in Orange City, these facts of your life become faces, as the legacy of God’s graciousness you worked to weave, gathers to celebrate you in a way your humility would rarely allow.

“Your faith has made you whole” (Mark 5:34), Jay, and the faith that you manifested by your life of love (John 13:35), will carry us through. So even if you could, you wouldn’t have to worry now.

We’ll stick together and eventually get through, but we’ll never forget or stop loving YOU!