Clara Ann Patton

Clara Ann (Patterson) Patton, 99, of Ballinger, Texas, died Tuesday, May 11, 2010 in a Big Spring nursing home after a long life filled with friends and family.
Clara was born to John Alvin and Ada Patterson on March 26, 1911 in Hatchel, Texas. Most of her life she and her husband, Cecil Nelson Patton, lived in Norton where they were active members of the community. They were long-standing members of Norton Baptist Church. They moved to Ballinger in the 1990's, and Mrs. Patton became a member of the Seventh Street Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Cecil, and her sons, Curtis Eugene Patton and Cecil Wayne Patton. Also preceding her in death were her five siblings, Marvin Patterson, Melvin Patterson, Allen Patterson, Thelma (Patterson) Russell, and Edna Mae Patterson.

Clara is survived by her son, Ronnie Nelson Patton, of Abiquiu, New Mexico; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Patton of Early; five grandchildren, Deborah (Patton) Foster and her husband, Rick, of Big Spring; Donna Patton of Abilene, Kenneth Patton and his wife, MaryAnn, of Early, David Patton and his wife, Ceil, of Brownwood; Darla (Patton) Swanner and her husband, Joe, of Abilene; nine great-grandchildren, Lisa Brackin and her husband, Adam, of Plano, Jonathan Foster of Lubbock, Joshua Patton of Abilene, Michael Patton and his wife, Angie, of Early, Michelle Lee and her husband, Allen, of Early, Tori Patton and Tandy Patton of Brownwood, Rebecca Swanner and Christina Swanner of Abilene; and five great-great-grandchildren, Austin Ortiz and Houston Ortiz of Early, and Taylor Patton, Cameron Patton and Kevin Patton of Early.

Additionally, she was preceded in death and is survived by many relatives and friends who felt close enough to her to call her "Mom."
Visitation for Clara’s family and friends will be Thursday, May 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Her funeral service will be Friday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Seventh Street Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Foster officiating, assisted by Rev. David Williams. Serving as pallbearers will be Kenneth Patton, David Patton, Michael Patton, Jonathan Foster, Joe Swanner, and Adam Brackin. Burial will be in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery, Garden of Memories. Guests may register at ballingerfunralhome.com.
Those who knew her well, find it difficult to describe the blessing she was to them. Everyone has a story to tell. In the end, she is remembered as the truest of friends, the kindest of hearts, and the strongest of souls.