Mary Blanche Neal Patrick

Mary Blanche Neal Patrick, RN, of Monticello, passed through the gates of heaven on Tuesday, August 27, 2014, and we are sure she gave Saint Peter an earful. She was known and beloved for her ability to "visit," a trait she passed down to her children. She was born May 12, 1922 and lived an amazing 92 years before leaving her earthly body. Her parents, Shaw and Kathleen Neal, her brother Joe S. Neal and her late husband Floyd Patrick, predeceased her. She is survived by her sons: Charles Edward Moore, Jr., (Faye); Lloyd Gordon Moore, (his late wife, Sherry); Norman Neal Moore (Kim) and daughter Mary K. Woodruff (Tom). Her grandchildren called her Nana and they are: Catherine Walker, Melissa Pratt, Charles E. Moore III, Grayson Moore, Turner Moore, Ike Moore, Shaun McGehee and the late Chad McGehee. She is also survived by 12 sweet great-grandchildren. Her cousin, Carolyn"Muff"Rawls and husband Gene, were an important part of our family and are like a favorite uncle and aunt to us all. Her only niece, Jo Ann Brosell (Lee), was also an important part of her "Hermitage connection" and the family inner circle. Among the many highlights of her life was her basketball career as a Lady Hermit at Hermitage High School, where her team captured a state championship. She gave us all a love for the country life, fried fish and tomatoes through our visits to see "Me-Me and Granddaddy." She was a faithful daughter and rarely would a Sunday go by when we didn't visit. She gathered the family together every holiday for celebration, delicious meals and the best sweet tea ever made. She loved to instigate and helped organize family gatherings at Lake Catherine. Many of our fondest memories, in spite of the mosquitos, were made at the cabins on that lake and Lake Chicot. She loved life, especially if she was fishing, taking a cruise or spending time with her family. When Mary Blanche was in her 40's, she returned to school and elevated her nursing designation from an LPN to RN, studying many late nights and struggling to make good grades. She was among the first class of nursing students to graduate from UAM, then Arkansas A&M. After graduation, she was an industrial nurse at Burlington Industries in Monticello for over 25 years. She loved her Burlington family and cherished the friendships she made through the years. Rock Springs United Methodist Church, near Monticello, was also an important part of her life as she forged many dear friendships. She loved going to church until her health prevented it. She loved to go on cruises, fish Lake Chicot, watch sports on TV, especially anything Razorbacks, and play bridge. So many people were special to her through the years including loving friends and neighbors Pat Johnston, Sue Lord, Tony and Kim Fletcher, Norma and Don Hogue, Kay and Gary Crook, and Sue and David Anderson. We will forever be indebted to her caretakers Patty Curtis, Tasha Butler, Regina Evans, Ann Cook, and Barbara England for making her life comfortable and allowing her to stay home with her inseparable companion of 13 years, her sweet dachshund, Katie Mae. We also appreciate the care and compassion of Arkansas Hospice and AAA Home Health Care. Officiating at the celebration of her life will be the Rev. Sylvia Nosic and at the graveside service, James Carroll Rawls. Arrangements are by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home, Monticello, and services will be held Saturday, August 30 at the funeral home chapel with 10 a.m. visitation and funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Neal Cemetery in Hermitage, Ark. where she will rest beside her late husband, brother, mother and father and many relatives. Memorials can be made to Rock Springs United Methodist Church, c/o Karen Groce, 831 Rock Springs Rd., Wilmar, Ark. 71675. We mourn our loss but celebrate the time we had with her and her impact on others. "Will the Circle be Unbroken?" Only temporarily. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.