Wynell Gillen Patterson memorial service Aug. 31
Wynell Gillen Patterson was born on April 15, 1930, in Blooming Grove, Texas, to Drew and Bertha Gillen. After graduating from Blooming Grove High School in 1947, she entered Baylor University where in three years she earned her BA degree in Elementary Education. At Baylor University, she began many friendships that remained strong and vibrant through the rest of her life.
Wynell married her sweetheart, Jim Williams Patterson, on August 4, 1950. They lived in Hubbard; Durant, Oklahoma; Fort Worth; Oklahoma City; Jackson, Mississippi; San Antonio; Dallas; and Salado. While Jim’s career scanned decades as a Petroleum Landman, Wynell’s calling was to be a teacher in elementary schools, including for many years in Carrollton-Farmers Branch where she shaped countless young lives through the years. Her teaching was not confined to public schools; she also taught young children in numerous churches throughout her lifetime, including Royal Haven Baptist Church in Dallas and later her beloved First Baptist Church of Salado. Wynell volunteered extensively at the Salado Library and encouraged many in the Village with her generous spirit and gracious actions. Her dear friends and church family were always important to her, especially after the passing of Jim in 2001.
Wynell and Jim were recognized as Alumni of the Year in 1996 by the Central Texas Chapter of the Baylor Alumni Association. One of her favorite activities each year was the celebration of the Jim Patterson Memorial Golf Tournament, benefiting the Scholarship Fund of the Central Texas Chapter of the Baylor Alumni Association.
Wynell was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Blake, Billy and Charles Drew. Her survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Phyllis Patterson of San Antonio; son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Lee Patterson of San Antonio; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Shannon Patterson of Carrollton; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Greg Stapp of Frisco; grandchildren, Paul and wife, Dawn, Clint, Angela, Sam, Olivia, McKenzie, Reid, Zach, Mason and Drew; sister, Maxine Brown of Lamkin; sisters-in-law, Earldean Patterson, Doris Gillen, Wanda Gillen, Carolyn Gillen and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
More lasting then her many achievements, Wynell will be remembered as a dedicated Christian, a loving wife, a guiding mother, a nurturing grandmother and a trusted friend.
Memorials may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church of Salado,210 South Main, Salado, TX 76571, and to Baylor University, Cen-Tex Chapter Scholarship Fund, One Bear Place #97026, Waco, TX 76798.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 30, from 6 p.m.–8 p.m., at Dossman Funeral Home, 2525 N. Main, P. O. Box 239, Belton, TX 76513.
A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., August 31, at the First Baptist Church of Salado with ministers Brian Dunks, Frank Wallace and Randy Carter Officiating.
Graveside Service will precede at 10 a.m. in Salado Cemetery.
Dossman Funeral Home in Belton (254-933-2525) is in charge of arrangements.