Nell is survived by her sons, Arthur Gordon Patton, Jr., of Tallahassee, and James Scott Patton (Sherri) of Los Osos, California; her grandson, Matthew Patton, granddaughter Jacqueline Stairs (Aelen), great-granddaughter Amelia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Arthur Gordon Patton, Sr., her sisters, Virginia and Ruth, and her brothers, Robert and Henry.
Nellie was born on June 22, 1923, in Warrenton, Virginia to Wilber and Bessie Shafer. She graduated from Warrenton High School and attended the State Teacher's College (Longwood University) in Farmville, VA. In 1945, she met the love of her life in a handsome marine named Gordon. They married that year on Christmas Day and enjoyed 67 happy years together until his passing in 2014.
Nell and Gordon settled in Arlington, Virginia, where they began their family with the addition of two sons. In 1962, they left the politics and intrigue of Washington, DC for the sunny skies of Melbourne, Florida. While Gordon worked as an attorney, Nell worked beside him, keeping the office, her husband, and their boys in good order.
Nellie was a joyous woman, blessed with humility and compassion. She searched for the good in all people. She adored reading her Bible and devotions, and marveled at God’s handiwork throughout nature. She would plan her days and devotions around sunrises and sunsets. She was awed by a cardinal, would drop everything to look at a hummingbird, and always paused to admire a flower. She spent as much time as possible in the mountains of West Virginia and North Carolina where she could delight in the beauty of God's creation. She was an accomplished gardener and she reveled in watching the miracle of her flowers, bushes, and trees thriving and growing under her tender care. She read and wrote constantly, and enjoyed writing Christian prose and poetry. She loved collecting and refinishing antiques, and treasure hunting at her "little stores" with charitable proceeds. She was an active member of PEO, a philanthropic women's organization. She was a member of Southwest Christian Church in Ocala, FL. She passionately loved the Lord, her husband, her family, and her friends. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her and love her.
The celebration of her life is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Bradfordville First Baptist Church (South Campus) at 5:00 pm with a viewing at 4:00 pm. Dr. Ronnie Raines will officiate the ceremony. The Committal Service will be at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, June 10th at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Nellie’s life.
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