Nancy Eleanor Bush Patterson, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 after several weeks of hospice care and illness. She died, surrounded by friends and family in her home in Holly Springs, Franklin, NC. "A Celebration of Life" service will be held at the Franklin Seventh-day Adventist Church on September 7, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.
Nancy was born in Middletown, New York, to Mark and Gertrude Bush on September 23, 1919. Nancy was the youngest of 8 children and her oldest sister became her teacher in a one room schoolhouse at one point. She attended Washington Missionary College for 2 years, then worked as a secretary. She worked for many government agencies including the Pentagon and retired from the Veterans Administration in 1984. Nancy married Charles Robert Patterson in Washington D.C. on August 3, 1946 and the two lived most of their lives with their 4 children in Seabrook, MD. At one point, she was a secretary at the General Conference in a variety of roles. During her time at the Pentagon, she spoke with George H. Bush at length about their ancestry and determined that they were most likely distant cousins. A Proverbs 31 woman, she helped support her family, so her children could go to church school. She raised apricot poodle puppies as a side business.
In 1984, Charlie and Nancy retired to Franklin high up on a hill with a spectacular view of God's beautiful mountains. Nancy was an avid organic gardener, loved playing the piano and worked in the church thrift store in Franklin until just a few months ago. She loved studying the Bible and was a teacher of the things of God, to many. At the age of 80, she became computer savvy and enjoyed it. She loved people greatly and was a blessing to all who knew her. She often visited the sick and was always thinking of others.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Gertrude; four brothers Earl, Vernon, Kenneth and Francis; three sisters, Margaret, Annabel and Millie; her husband, Charles Robert Patterson and daughter Pamela Beavers.
She is survived by her children, Skylla Moon (Shannon) of Hendersonville, NC, Robert Patterson of Franklin, NC, Shirli LoSchiavo of Annapolis, MD and an "adopted" daughter Debbie Roberts (Don) of Franklin, NC. She is survived by 2 nieces whom she was close with throughout her life—Susan Willis (Wendell) of Kingston, Ontario and Nancy Hardy of Owings Mills, MD. She is survived by six grandchildren: Jennifer Paige of Arlington, VA, Brian Beavers (Tania) of Rapidan, VA, Tammy Ogden (Ryan) of Berkeley Springs, WV, Spencer LoSchiavo of Jeonju, South Korea, Hailey LoSchiavo and Sam LoSchiavo of Annapolis, MD. She is survived by six great grandchildren.
All are welcome to a reception at the church following the service. Nancy and Charlie will be interred at the Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Franklin SDA Church, 71 Brendle Rd, Franklin, NC 28734. For more information, call (828) 458-0756