Dr. Glenda B. Patton was born October 25, 1949 in Clay County to John C. and Verda Napier Bowling. She united in marriage with James David Patton on December 22, 1967. Three children blessed this marriage: Beth Patton Hopper and husband, Joe, Rebecca Dawne Patton and John Eldon David Patton and wife, Shanna. She treasured the gift of her grandchildren, Corey Feger, Hannah Grabhorn and husband, Jonathan, Jobeth Hopper, Haleigh Hopper, Rachel Feger, Makenzi Hopper, Carter Patton and Landon Patton. Her brother, Ronald Bowling and wife, Leta, a niece and four nephews survive her.
Glenda married her high school sweetheart and love of her life. When David was called into ministry, she gladly served alongside him until his sudden passing in 2001. She also had a calling to minister to and serve others. Whether it was teaching and directing children’s ministries, organizing Vacation Bible School, directing church plays, teaching Sunday school, or leading Women of Faith, she bore witness to the Savior she loved, trusted and put her faith.
Glenda placed priority on raising her children, but later continued her education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling and a Doctoral of Educational Studies from the University of Kentucky.
She held various jobs through the years to support her family, including Margin Coal Company and Southern States. She found her niche when she began her teaching career at Somerset Technical College, which later became Somerset Community College, teaching and directing the Early Childhood Education Program. Through teaching, she touched the lives of many students and children.
After retiring, she hosted Women of Faith each month at her home, delving deeper into scripture and prayer. Her guests were always greeted with her warmth and a special menu of goodies. This group became a source of encouragement for her and created an opportunity to go before the throne on behalf of others in need of prayer. For the last several years, she taught the ladies Sunday school class at Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church and inspired those around her to study scriptures and meditate on the Word.
Each year, she hosted “Nana Camp,” a week where the grandchildren stayed in her home. She enjoyed this time spent with her grandbabies, investing in their spiritual lives with back porch morning devotionals and challenging their creativity through various projects that always held special meaning. Additionally, the kitchen was always filled with their favorite foods and desserts. Most importantly, she fostered a bond between her grandchildren and memories of time spent with Nana that will last a lifetime.
She was proud of her grandchildren for their own unique abilities and successes. So, it came as no surprise that she would be present at soccer games, dance recitals, academic meets, choir and band concerts, high school graduations, college graduations, and white coat ceremonies. They will continue to make her proud.
Glenda was an artist and created beautiful pieces of art through painting, crocheting, sewing, creating jewelry, designing clothing or quilting. She was an avid reader and gifted writer, sharing daily devotions with friends and family through social media. She, along with David, shared an interest in researching our genealogical roots long before the ease of the internet. Many family trips centered on traveling to libraries and courthouses to seek out their kin.
She shared wisdom guided by her wealth of experience and scripture. She believed in the value of hard work, often saying, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” She promoted education and the development of life skills to attain our life’s missions. She also reminded us to praise Him in the storm and so we praise the One who sent to us a cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
A celebration of her life will be conducted at the Bowling Funeral Home, 1704 N Main St., London, KY, Saturday, February 22 at 3 P.M. She will be laid to rest in Landrum Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be John Patton, Carter Patton, Landon Patton, Joe Hopper, Jonathan Grabhorn, Jerod Smith and Giddeon Brainard.
Family and friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
The Patton family requests, with gratitude, memorial contributions go to The Gideons International at https://www.gideons.org/donate or to the Knox County Gideons, P.O. Box 661, Barbourville, KY 40906, in her memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
