Dorothy Patton

Born in Tyler, Texas on January 5, 1927, she moved to Dallas, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, attended the University of Texas and SMU before marrying John Nelson Patton. While raising her daughter and son, she began a long career in advertising where she worked for Norswothy, Mercer and Kerrs for many years before pursuing other ventures in the advertising world with her good friend Helen Barham. She also assisted her husband for a brief time at the Lancaster Leader newspaper, a weekly publication owned by and affiliated with the Oak Cliff Tribune. In the early ‘80s, Dorothy and John retired to Hideaway Lake. It was at her beloved Hideaway where Dorothy began a near 30-year relationship with her East Texas roots, made lifelong friends, and began a second career as a real estate agent, a profession and passion she remained active in until 2010.

Dorothy will always be remembered as a loving, nurturing and benevolent parent and grandparent, putting others first above herself. She was the matriarch of a small close-knit family where birthdays, holidays and long weekends at Hideaway were always special. She was quick to smile and had an infectious laugh. Her door was open to friends and strangers alike. She loved her social clubs and friends at Hideaway, played a smart hand of Bridge and Mahjong, and baked a heck of a chocolate pie and other comfort food creations. She will be missed by all who knew her and the many, many lives she touched.

Immediate survivors include her son Timothy (Tup) Patton, granddaughters Dede Loftice, Brennan Patton and Lauren Patton, great-granddaughter Alex Gogal, and stepdaughter Shawn Patton. She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Minnie Ummel, and her daughter Becky Wood. A private service for the family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer Association; 4144 N. Central Expwy #750; Dallas, TX 75204. Online condolences may be made at www.sparkman-hillcrest.com.