Willis Funeral Home | Dalton, GA

Obituary For Patricia Anna Patton Rivers

Mrs. Patricia Anna Patton Rivers, age 80, of Dalton, Georgia passed away June 17, 2022 peacefully at her home, surrounded by family. Patricia, known affectionately as “Pat”, “Trisha” or “Nana Anna” was born on April 20, 1942 in Dalton, GA to the late Fred Alfred Patton and Marie LaVelle Harlan Patton; late grandparents, Delphia Lawrence Vinson, Agustaveous (Gus) Harlan, Alberta Black Harlan; and late sister Martha Arlene Patton. She was a proud graduate of Emery Street School (Salutatorian of the Class of 1960.) She graduated from Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1963. Patricia touched countless lives during her professional life as a nurse and nursing instructor. After graduating from Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Patricia started her career in the field of healthcare which lasted over 40 years. She began her career as an RN at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, GA. She transitioned into the field of teaching and became a nursing instructor at Dalton Vocational School of Health Occupations and then to Dalton State College of which she retired. Patricia loved teaching and helped place many young nurses on their path of medically caring for others. In later years, during her visits to the doctor, she found herself being cared for by some of her former students. After retiring from Dalton State College, Patricia spent a few years as the Director of local nursing homes and the nurse for Regional Youth Detention Center. She finally closed the chapter of nursing working as the Manager of The Gardens Assisted Living Community at Royal Oaks. Throughout her life, Patricia felt much adoration from the Dalton healthcare community. Patricia loved to spend personal time with family. She adored her 3 grandchildren and started “Grandparents Camp” where she kept them for a month each summer when they were younger. She was a history buff and could talk about historical events for hours. She served two terms with the League of Women Voters of the Dalton Area as Co-President and President. Patricia loved to dance. She loved listening to classical music and the Blues. She also enjoyed reciting poetry and valued education. Patricia worked extremely hard to preserve the history of her beloved Emery Street School, now The Emery Center. Patricia leaves a legacy of love, grace and compassion. Survivors are her loving and devoted husband, Curtis Rivers, Jr. of Dalton, GA; daughter, Crystal (Henry) Hicks of Nashville, TN and son, Mark (Amanda) Rivers of Tucker, GA; siblings, Fred R. Patton of Stone Mountain, GA; and Emily (Charles) Love of Rome, GA; grandchildren, Henry Beecher Hicks , IV of Washington D.C., Harrison Patton Hicks of New York, NY and Eva Rose Rivers of Tucker, GA; nephew, Kevin (Letitia Hudson) White of Dalton, GA; enduring family friend, Elizabeth Smith; goddaughter, Tam Weaver; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will have visitation at Willis Funeral Home on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. A celebratory service honoring Patricia’s life will be on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 12:00 noon at First Presbyterian Church in Dalton, GA. Interment will be at West Hill Cemetery. In compliance with Covid-19 best practices, the family is requesting that all attendees wear a mask. The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate and loving care Patricia received from the entire team at North Georgia Community Hospice, LLC. We are forever grateful to you. 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.

Guest Book

I'm so sorry for your loss... I always thought of her and her kind words when I would pass through Dalton. 💜🙏🏽 Please accept our love at this time - The Clancy's

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My thoughts and prayers are with Mark and Family. May God comfort you all. Thank God for the beautiful memories, they make us smile and give us Joy, through such a difficult time.

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My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the entire Patton and Rivers Families.While growing up in Dalton,I can recall many fond memories of interacting with members of both families and Mrs.Rivers was always friendly,caring and considerate of others.She had a positve impact on many people from all walks of life.God will provide you with the comfort and strength to endure when you lose precious loved ones.Much love and comfort to all of you.Ron Parks,Evanston,Il.

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Crystal (Henry), the boys and entire Rivers family I send my deepest condolences to you all in the loss of your beautiful mother! Sincerely, The Powell Family of MD

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Sending our deepest sympathy for the family regarding Patricia. May God protect and comfort the family during this time. The McClure's

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Best memories of Patricia were summers I spent at the Rivers home as a kid and teenager. Crystal and I would come home with Patricia sitting on the couch waiting for us (because we were usually a bit late from our curfew). As an adult, have great conversations about the many facets of life (marriage, religion, hairstyles, clothing, just life). Curtis, Crystal and Mark -- my deepest love for each of you. May your broken hearts be changed in time to the greatest memories of your life experiences with this incredible wife, mother and friend. Sonja

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What A Friend We Have In JESUS!!! ✝️✝️✝️ Our Heartfelt Prayers, Love, Comfort and Deepest Condolences are extended to Brother Curtis Rivers, Jr., Crystal, Mark, Emily and the entire Patton Rivers Precious Family during your time of Bereavement. Gone, But Not Forgotten... 🌹🌹🌹The Late Sister Patricia Anna Patton Rivers was a Sweet, kindhearted, Knowledgeable, Nurse, Educator, Historian, Amazingly, Blessed, Beautiful, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Godly Blessed Woman with many Talents. Truly, your Precious loved one, RIH, Sister Patricia Anna Patton Rivers will be missed. We Love you and we are here for you. The LORD Is Our SHEPHERDS!!! 🌹🙏💗✝️ Pastor Louise Young Harris & Family and The Queen Chapel Methodist Church Family, Kingston, GA

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Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with your family. May you find peace from God as you go through this difficult time. Deepest sympathy. Barbara Hardaway

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Very special lady she was always nice to me when there was the 5th Sunday service at the Emery center. Rest In Heaven. Kathy Broome Barrett

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To a beautiful soul, heaven has gained another angel! Loved Pat Rivers as a friend , instructor and someone whom I respected deeply. God I pray for comfort for Curtis and family.

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Sending prayers and blessings to Mrs River's family. I pray your memories of her will forever comfort each of you. Pat was my mentor, my partner "in crime," my coworker, and my very dear friend. Once I met her she could not get away from me. She oriented me to my first nursing job and directed my wedding. I followed her in all of her nursing and teaching jobs. She always welcomed me with open arms and her big smile. Heaven will shine brighter with Pat present. With love, Mary Taylor

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Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Curtis Rivers and Family. Patricia was a dear friend, Emery Street Classmate and an incredibly gifted citizen of Dalton, Georgia. The contributions which Patricia and Curtis Rivers have made in the creation of the Emery Center and its legacy to the people of Dalton are invaluable assets for our citizens, youth and future contributors to the well being of the Datlon community and the State of Georgia. Thank you, Marvin Toliver and Family

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Our Hearts and Prayers goes out to Patt0n and Rivers families The Emery Street Class 1961 and 1962. Patsy McDade chairman Rudy Jefferson Co chairman

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Praying for the Patton and Rivers families Pastor Charles Catchings and the Liberty Baptist church family and friends

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On behalf of Church of Deliverance we would like to send our prayers to Mr. Curtis, Crystal, Mark and the entire family! Mrs. Patricia smile would lighten up a room and when she spoke it was with so much history! May God strengthen each one of you in the days to come. Love, Bishop Claud & Marlene Jones/Church of Deliverance

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What a legacy she leaves!!! My mother(Jessie Ridley) worked with Pat for many years and loved her dearly! Pat was the most beautiful and professional nurse I have ever seen... She was impeccable in her dress and demeanor! She was one of a kind and will forever be remembered.

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Prayers for God to give you all comfort during this sad time of bereavement. I loved Mrs.Rivers as my nursing school instructor who was very precise in teaching nursing skills. I will always remember what she taught me and will utilize those skills as well. I also loved her as my friend after nursing school. She and Mrs. Taylor were very supportive to me during some hard times in my life. Thank you.

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Sending Condolences and Prayers to Curtis,Crystal and Mark. May God continue comfort you all. Tim Southern and Family

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Sending sincere prayers and condolences to the family of Patricia. She was always so pleasant when I had the opportunity to see her from time to time. Love you all. Ron, Sharon, Ashlee and Bryson Clark

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You have our condolences, Patricia was a very special lady. Robert and Sherry ONeal

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Pat Rivers was a wonderful woman of grace, kindness and compassion. Her smile and her heart were beautiful. She was gracious and poised. She taught me, not only to be proficient in my nursing skills, but also to demonstrate a caring bedside manner. She was a woman of dignity and truth. Rest in peace dear one. Tammy Gray Smith

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Life is indeed fleeting Just a few weeks ago I missed running into Curtis as I visited with Ms Eva Lou I also spoke with a friend about that visit and she said she knew a Pat Rivers from the hospital what a small world Pat's smile was her signature and she wore it well Family was the center of her joy Nursing was her passion and vocation a perfect fit I pass GOD'S peace to the entire family and pray in short order GOD will soothe your aching hearts and provide that peace that surpasseth all understanding Sleep on Pat take your rest we love you but GOD loves you best You took care of so many others I'm sure the host of angels looked forward to taking care of you as you journeyed from earth to heaven You are no doubtedly walking the streets of gold wearing your angel wings Angels don't just disappear just operate in a different realm May HIS peace be with you until we meet again til we reach that distant shore where we'll shed a tear no more May HE give us the strength to endure til we meet again Your friend and brother Marvin L Henderson KENT OH

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Mrs. Rivers was the sweetest lady I ever met in my life I knew since I was a little girl then when I got grown I went to nursing school at the retirement home where she had taught our class her voice was so soft sweet and pleasant I was just thinking about You the other day Mrs. Rivers that must been You trying to tell me your an Angel in Heaven now I love You Mrs Rivers

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Our hearts and Prayers go out to each of you as you go through this difficult time in your lives, New Hope Baptist Church Usher Board- Velina Weaver

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A beautiful lady, who always greeted me with a beautiful smile. Rest easy 🙏🏾

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Linda and Michael Tibbs are sending a big big be strong hug to all of the family,she will be missed by everyone,try to remember all of the good times and the good memories and somehow it will make it easier,stay strong.

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Patricia Rivers was like a flower that blooms when it is stressed, and you see its true nature. There has been times when we called upon Patricia and she never failed to be there to provide assistance, and encouragement, Patricia was a teacher, a nurse, a wife, and foremost a mother. We offer condolences to the Patton and Rivers familie. Deanna will miss the long conversations she shared with Patricia. Love to you all. Jimmie/Deanna Baker.

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The best nursing instructor in nursing u thought me so much and made sure I made it rode my back and I thank u ..u will be missed u did my capping and that picture still sits on my fireplace always and much love.i will miss u my fried.R.I.H....Linda Bonds💕💕

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Love to Curtis and family as they so lovingly cared for Patricia. She was a beautiful, smart, and kind Christian and it was my honor to be her friend.

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I am praying for Curtis, Crystal and Mark and their children. Pat was a dear friend; I loved her like a sister. She was a blessing to all she met. Love and prayer to the Patton and Rivers family. Rubye Sane

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Keeping the Patton and Rivers Families Lifted in Prayer. Rev. Edward Hoggs and the Shiloh Baptist Church Family

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Praying for the Patton and Rivers Families. The Ralph Whitener Children

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On behalf of Mountain Ridge Baptist Church & the Entire Church Family, we would like to express our deepest condolences to Mr. Curtis and the entire Rivers & Patton Family. Mrs Patricia was indeed an inspiration to so many, a leader, historian and an extraordinary woman, who loved God, her Family and this entire Community. May the God of All comfort, give you comfort during this time. We love you all. Dr. Jerry D. Jones Sr., Pastor

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May Your Memories of the Wonderful Times You Shared With Your Loved One Comfort You and Your Family Today and Always. Faye Murray

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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