Yesterday we had a memorial service for Emma Lee Patteson, one of our life deacons and a matriarch of Farmville Baptist for many, many years. At the 11 a.m. service, the sanctuary was full of people paying their last respects. The Rev. Dr. William Klein, former pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke assisted in the service and voiced a beautiful pastoral prayer. Dr. David Klein, Bill’s son and Emma Lee’s son-in-law offered an eloquent eulogy. There was a lot of love and thanksgiving there in the sanctuary that morning–both for Emma Lee and for the God that she loved and served.
While I did not know her during her more active years, she blessed me so much just with her kinds words and warm smile. I’ve heard so many stories about her legendary hospitality and her active ministry in the life of this church. She will be greatly missed.
The above picture was taken after the Hanging of the Greens service November 3, 2006. It shows Emma Lee (center) with her son-in-law David and her daughter Beverley Anne at either side. Our hearts and our prayers are extended to Emma Lee’s family during this time.
