College and Work
After graduating from high school Patty enrolled in Columbus
College located in Columbus, Georgia. She later transferred
to Gordon College in Barnesville, GA. After graduating from
Gordon she was employed by The First National Bank in
Barnesville. She worked there for a number of years and made
many friends in Barnesville. It was during this time Patty
realized if she was to fulfill her life long dream of becoming
an elementary school teacher she must go back to college
again. Patty moved to Thomaston, Georgia and began working
for C & S Bank and also enrolled in Mercer University off campus
center there in Thomaston. She continued working full time
while carrying a full college load. It was sometime during these
months Patty purchased her own home and in March of 1991 she
underwent her first kidney transplant at Emory University Hospital.
She was a very strong willed person and pre-
severed through many heartaches and difficulties. Upon her
graduation from Mercer she was employed by the Upson County
Board of Education as an elementary school teacher. Her dream
finally became a reality. Her teaching days were happy days be-
cause she loved each of her little students and they loved her.
She always felt she must be at school each morning to greet her
students regardless of how she was feeling. In July 1994 Patty
had her second kidney transplant and it was at this time her
doctors at Emory along with her family prevailed on her to re-
quest a one year leave of absence from her job.
Patty began teaching again in the fall of 1995. In December of
1996 Patty suffered from a below the knee amputation of her
right leg. This was the third devastating blow to her and her
family. However, she bounced back once again and continued
with her teaching profession. Many people never realized she
wore a prosthesis. She was determined to make a life on her
own and did so for many years. Patty was a fun-loving person
and enjoyed being with her friends. Her teaching profession
ended abruptly on the morning of February 14, 2002.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF PATTY
