Julia "Judy" Patton

Julia “Judy” Freeland Slate Patton, 87, of Spencer, NC passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at her home. Judy was born August 17, 1936 in Rowan County, NC to the late Julia Freeland Slate and Lester Hillard Slate. She was a graduate of Spencer High School and earned her degrees in music and education from Catawba College. After earning her Masters from UNCC in Special Education, Judy worked in the school system as a Special Education teacher and Assistant Principal for 35 years. Judy was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Spencer, where she served as the organist from the time she was 16 years old until her retirement at 84, during which she also served other churches in the community. Judy was well-loved by many in the community and was blessed with many chosen family members, whom she cherished as her own. Her gracious and loving spirit impacted all who had the opportunity to know her, and she shared her beautiful talents throughout her life to the glory of God. Preceding her in death was her son Richard Robert “Rob” Patton, Jr., who died February 17, 2022. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jennifer Patton Crawford (Bill) of Spencer, NC and Wanda Gwinn (Barry) of Travelers Rest, SC; grandchildren: Colin Patton Crawford (Brit) of Rockwell, NC; Caitlin Julia Crawford McDermid (Jeff) of Dallas, NC; Catherine Frances Crawford Munoz (Alex) of Summerfield, NC; Jennifer Fortner Edris (M) of Simpsonville, SC; Thomas Oliver Terry of Denver, CO; and great-grandchildren: Addie Jane Crawford expected in July, and Bella and Grace Edris. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Tuesday (Mar. 12) at Summersett Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM Wednesday (Mar. 13) at Central United Methodist Church in Spencer, NC; officiated by Rev. Steve Combs and Rev. Elinor Wilburn. Memorials may be made to the Central United Methodist Church, PO Box 203, Spencer, NC 28159 or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Patton family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Julia "Judy" Patton

August 17, 1936 - March 5, 2024