Patty Reynolds Morrison

Patty Elizabeth Reynolds Morrison passed away February 4, 2021. Born in the community of McDowell, West Virginia, on April 9, 1928, she was the youngest of seven children born to Jettie and Nib Reynolds. Patty’s siblings, all of whom predeceased her, were Carlyne Bowles, Mable Keith, Margaret Reed, Amogene Belcher, Jack Reynolds, and June Cochran. They were close as children and remained so throughout their lives. The Reynolds clan was always eager to take a trip, and Patty and several siblings often traveled together, usually with a gaggle of spouses, children, grandchildren, and an extra niece or nephew along for the ride. From favorite spots like Myrtle Beach and Cherokee, NC, to other destinations near and far, Patty loved to go places.

Living in Martinsville VA, Patty spent her working life cooking. From running the bus station lunch counter to the cafeteria at Pannill Knitting to the Downtown Luncheonette to her final decade managing food services for the Martinsville City Jail, there are probably few people over 40 that have ever lived in the area that she hasn’t fed at least once. Despite repeated efforts, she never thought her biscuits were as good as her mother’s, but she had many delicious meals in her culinary repertoire, and her fried chicken was a favorite among family members and restaurant patrons. Though she most frequently cared for others by feeding them, she was uniquely kind and generous to loved ones and strangers alike. Patty was known for speaking her mind, and nobody was ever in doubt where they stood with her, but her extraordinary compassion and willingness to give whatever she had to help someone else was also a hallmark for everyone who knew her. Patty worked hard all her life and was a woman of modest financial means, but always prioritized the needs of others above her own. She was the best friend you could ask for. Always quick to laugh, non-judgmental, unfailingly honest and loyal, Patty was one of a kind. The strongest woman many of her loved ones have ever known, her determination (which on occasion might have been called stubbornness), independence, self-reliance, work ethic, and perennial passion for life, even to her last day, buoyed everyone who loved her.

Patty is survived by three sons, Larry, Dennis and Dean Morrison, granddaughters Victoria Morrison Dunwoody and Kym Morrison, great granddaughters Emma and Claire Dunwoody, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Patty was laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park on February 6, 2021.