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MASCOT, Tenn. -- Shirley Denise Patterson, 70, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at her home in East Tennessee, after a valiant fight with cancer.
Shirley grew up in Niles, Ohio, where she graduated from McKinley High School in 1973. She went on to graduate from Carson-Newman College at Jefferson City, Tennessee, in 1977.
She spent her career in a number of cities across the country and wherever she worked, she was a valuable member of her professional team. But more importantly, she gathered lasting friendships everywhere she spent time and she enjoyed those friends -- sharing laughs, stories and food. She loved to cook and share recipes. Most of all, Shirley loved her family and took pleasure in taking care of all of us.
Shirley was preceded in death by her mother and father, Frances Christine Patterson and Wyley Norman Patterson.
She is survived by her brothers and sister and their families, James Lamar Patterson, David Alan Patterson, Duane Phillip Patterson and Linda Ann Ellis.
She is also survived by wonderful cousins and two beloved aunts. And in addition, she is survived by nieces and nephews whom she loved and enjoyed so very much.
We all loved her to the moon and back.
Shirley was a beautiful soul and is missed beyond measure.
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