Mildred Elizabeth Gillespie Patterson

Mildred Elizabeth Gillespie Patterson, 96, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2019 in Hot Springs, Ark. Mildred was born on August 7, 1923 to the late James Harvey and Cornelia Elizabeth Thompson Gillespie in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert Harold Patterson whom she married on January 14, 1949, brother, James Harvey Gillespie Jr., brother, Jack Lee Gillespie and daughter-in-law, Gail Ragland Patterson, along with many cousins and friends. Mildred is survived by her son, James Gillespie Patterson (Kay) of Hot Springs, daughter, Gail Elizabeth Patterson Davis (David) of Little Rock and son, Robert Harvey Patterson (Debra) of Midland, Texas, and six grandchildren: Pat Patterson (Wendy) of Spring Branch, Texas, Catherine Elizabeth Patterson DeSonier (Robert) of Lansdale, Pa., Robert Wayne Brewer(Sara) of Monroe, La., Robert Benjamin Patterson (Courtney) of Swainsboro, Ga., Rebecca Patterson Linehan (Russell) of Midland, Texas and Rachel Patterson Figliuzzi (Andrew) of The Woodlands, Texas. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons. Upon graduation from Pine Bluff High School in 1940 at the age of sixteen, she traveled alone to New York City for a modeling interview and to spend the summer with cousins in Connecticut. She described the summer as one she remembered because she was given a convertible to drive everywhere she wanted. Shortly after Bob received a promotion and transfer to Tyler, Texas in 1957, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34. Being a strong woman, when told she might not ever be able to fully use her left arm again, she responded that wasn't a possibility with three small children. She was the longest living survivor of breast cancer in Arkansas and won the award for such when she walked in the Susan G. Kamen each year. In 1965, the family returned to Pine Bluff for six years and she was able to reconnect with her childhood friends and family. With another promotion, the family moved to Houston, Texas where she and Bob would live for 30 years. After the decision was made to downsize, they moved to Trinity Village in Pine Bluff. Although Mildred lost Bob shortly after their move on March 10, 2000, she remained in Pine Bluff for 10 years. In September 2010, she moved to West Shores Retirement Community in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she was able to reconnect with her longtime friend, Dorothy Mcclanahan. Mildred was very active in her churches: Central Presbyterian and First Presbyterian, both in Pine Bluff, First Presbyterian in Tyler, Memorial Drive Presbyterian in Houston and Westminster Presbyterian in Hot Springs. She held multiple positions in all the churches over the years. Mildred was also a committed volunteer. She was involved with the Red Cross, Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, MAM in Houston and Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. In 2005, she was named Volunteer of the Year at Trinity Village. In 2006, Mildred was one of the statewide recipients of the Amazing Spirit Award given by Baptist Health. Mildred enjoyed playing all kinds of games, but thoroughly enjoyed playing bridge throughout her life. She taught Gail to play when she was 10, the same age when she had learned. Spending time with her family was very important to Mildred. This included taking Cathy and Robert on week long vacations every summer, family trips to the Bahamas, Acapulco, Sante Fe, picking cherries in New Mexico, Cloudcroft for Christmas, New York City to watch Rebecca play in Carnegie Hall, dance recitals, picking apples in Pennsylvania with Cathy, watching Robert compete in Judo and listening to him when he preached. Playing poker until very late each holiday the family gathered. She and Dad often laughed about how it started small and the family grew to 31! The family would like to thank her loving caregivers Beverly Puckett and Marti Figueroa. Words cannot express how dear you have become to us. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 5th at 2:00PM at West Shores Retirement Community located at 2607 Albert Pike, Hot Springs, Ark., with grandson Robert Brewer officiating. Memorials can be made to the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, 1111 W. Markham, Little Rock, Ark. 72201 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.