MS. MARTHA ARLENE “MARTY” PATTON – Age 78, of Stone Mountain, Georgia passed away Monday, December 27, 2021 peacefully at her home, surrounded by family. Martha, known affectionately as “Marty” or “Motsy” was born on May 27, 1943 in Dalton, GA to the late Fred Alfred Patton and Marie LaVelle Harlan Patton; late grandparents Fred Patton, Sr., Delphia Lawrence Vinson, Agustaveous (Gus) Harlan and Alberta Black Harlan.

She was a proud graduate of Emery Street School (Class Valedictorian of 1961). She graduated from Fort Valley State College with a degree in English/Literature and received a Master’s degree from Ball State University. She was a charter member of the Rome Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Martha touched countless lives with her love and guidance, especially in the lives of children. She began her career as an educator at Main High School in Rome, GA and taught at East Rome High School following the integration of the school system. She retired from the Rome City School System after working as the director of The Psychoeducational Center. After retirement, she relocated to Stone Mountain, GA and became a part of the Metro Juvenile Justice System of Atlanta, GA. She continued her career as the Educational Curriculum Director for the Juvenile Justice System of the State of Georgia. Martha retired from this role proudly knowing her impact would touch children in detention all across the state. This was a monumental accomplishment and a culmination of what she had envisioned for the students of Georgia. The curriculum used throughout Georgia was designed to meet the needs of every boy and girl no matter their circumstance.

Martha loved to spend time fishing, reading and exploring the arts. She loved the beauty of nature and enjoyed quiet time in the northeast Georgia mountains at her beloved “Velveteen Rabbit” mountain home located in Sautee Nacoochee, GA. Martha always valued the beginnings of her love for education from her home, school and community. She continued to have a commitment for Emery Street School, now The Emery Center.

Martha set an example of excellence and high standards in every aspect of her life for those whom she loved and others. Survivors are her loving and devoted life companion, Elizabeth Smith of Stone Mountain, GA; siblings, Patricia (Curtis) Rivers of Dalton, GA, Emily (Charles) Love of Rome, GA, and Fred R. Patton of Stone Mountain, GA; niece, Crystal (Henry) Hicks of Nashville, TN; nephews, Kevin (Letitia Hudson) White of Dalton, GA, Mark (Amanda) Rivers of Tucker, GA; great-nephews, Henry Hicks of Washington D.C. and Harrison Hicks of New York, NY; great-niece, Eva Rivers of Tucker, GA; goddaughter, Kimberley (Eric) Simmons of Milledgeville, GA; and a host of other relatives and friends. She will also be greatly missed by her faithful West Highland White Terrier, Rosie.

The celebration of Martha’s life will be on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at 12:00 noon in the chapel of Willis Funeral Home in Dalton, GA. Interment; West Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. In compliance with Covid-19 best practices, the family is requesting that all attendees wear a mask and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, the family will greatly appreciate that donations be made to The Emery Center (formerly Emery Street School); P.O. Box 1831, Dalton GA 30722-1831.