Martha Arlene "Marty" Patton Obituary in Dalton at Willis Funeral Home

Obituary For Martha Arlene "Marty" Patton

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.

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Our condolences to the family of Marty "Marty Patton. To my classmate Emily and childhood friend we send our thoughts and prayers to you. Please know that we will always remember the friendship of the Stokes and Patton Families. Kindest Regards Rodney and Linda Stokes Sarasota, Florida

Ms. Martha Arlene Patton was always a joyful and shining light during our youthful years while attending Emery Street School. Our prayers and thoughts are with Curtis and Patricia Rivers Family and love ones.
Marvin and Lila Toliver Family

My condolence to the family of Martha Patton. Thank you for sharing such an amazing woman to the students and educators of Georgia. Ms. Patton was my mentor for the past 20 years. She took me under her wings at Meto RYDC and never let me go. I am grateful for the knowledge, wisdom and love that she shared with me and my daughter. She will be missed but her legacy will live on through the lives she touched. Love Dr. Cecilia Brown and Kennedy (daughter).

Sincere condolences to the Patton family. Although I did not have Ms Patton as a teacher, I do remember her kindness and beautiful smile when she and a host of other young teachers came & brightened Main High School! Her excellence in Education & caring for students will always be remembered. Prayers for peace, comfort & strength for Emily and family. God is with you. Blessings & Love, Charlotte Z Thomas - NYC

My sincere condolences to the Patton family. May God continue to bless and comfort you during this time. Evalyn Ellison Council

My Heartfelt Condolences to Martha Patton's Family on the loss of this beautiful lady, Inside and Out. She was a great inspiration to so many and her legacy of love and devotion for others will forever remain. I will always cherish the years of my having worked alongside her at Main High School in the English Department...Laney Stevenson

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

My sincerest condolences to the family. Praying that GOD sends his comforting angels to encamp around the entire family during this time of sorrow!

Deepest Sympathy Praying for the family that God will give you strength to carry on. Emery Street Class 1961 and 1962. Patsy McDade chairman and Rudy Jefferson co chairman.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Soror Martha Payton.

So sorry for your loss.she was a wonderful teacher and will always be remembered.Cecelia Abbott Rome Colored Main High School Reunion Committee Chairperson. And Helen Williams Co Chairperson

Sending condolences and prayers to the entire Patton family and extended family members. The Farrar family

To the family of Martha Patton. I will always remember Mrs Patton for the leadership and guidance she provided me. She was a wonderful friend and will be missed by all who knew her. My sincere condolences to you.

My condolence to the patton family in the loss of your sister,aunt,relative. May her memories be a means of comfort now and in days ahead. You are in my prayers. Pastor Melanie Cooper Prather & New Covenant Deliverance Church

I stood on the banks of Jordon and watch the ships of Zion go by, and on that ship was Marty,and she was very happy,and serene.My heart goes out to the Patton family.
Harry L. Baker

Praying for the Patton Family. Ralph Whitener Children

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis and Patricia Rivers and family of ''Marty'' Patton. We are so surprised and saddened to read that your loved one ''Marty'' had passed. I always considered her a friend and close to being a member of the family we were that close.I think she was in the class behind me at Emery Street.''Marty'' will always be missed. You will always be in our prayers. Jimmie, Deanna, Ashlee. Love to the Rivers Patton family.