Demetha Patterson, affectionately known as “Miss D,” was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was centered around her faith and the people she loved. She was born on January 13, 1961, in Donaldsonville, Georgia, and transitioned away on September 25, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama.
Demetha was born in Donaldsonville, GA and raised in Gordon, AL areas before moving to Dothan in the 1970s to be with her sister. She received her education from Ashford High School and later worked in environmental services at Southeast Medical Center. In time, Demetha became a homemaker, a role she truly cherished. Being home allowed her to care for her family and, especially, to be there for her grandchildren. She took great pride in being a Nana and enjoyed being a part of their everyday lives.
Faith was an important part of Demetha’s life from an early age. She accepted Christ as a young woman and remained committed to her faith throughout her life at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Gordon, AL. She had been a member of Kingdom of God Global Ministries since 2016. Demetha was a woman who believed in forgiveness, loved people openly, and rarely met a stranger. She had a way of making people feel comfortable around her, and her genuine personality made it easy to love her.
Above all, Demetha loved her family. She was the devoted wife of R.L. Patterson, and they shared 39 years of marriage together. She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Lakerra Jackson (Tony); step-sons, Travis Poke and Shushan Patterson; and her special daughter-in-law, Breanna. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Aubrey Hunt, Riley Patterson, and Tony Emmanuel Jackson, known as “TJ.”
She is also survived by her sisters, Jewel Parrish, Mary Girtman, and Doretha Platt; sisters-in-law, Ruthy Patterson and Annie Mae Williams; brothers-in-law, Tom Patterson, Nathaniel Patterson, James Patterson, Henry C. Patterson, Tim Patterson, and Eddie McGriff; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends, including special friends, Peggy Dixion, Cora Walker, Linda Copeland, Mattie Wright, and Renae Gordon.
Demetha was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Alline Morrison; her son, Brandon Patterson; stepdaughter, Nicole Poke; brothers, Willie Earl Morrison and Charlie Morrison; sisters, Dorothy Overstreet, Bernice Handsford, and Pearlean McGriff; brother-in-law, Billy C. Patterson; father-in-law, M.C. Patterson; and mother-in-law, Rusha Bell Patterson.
Demetha had a personality all her own. She was affectionately known as the “Walmart Queen,” and anyone who knew her could understand why. She enjoyed sitting on her front porch, watching what was happening in the neighborhood and keeping up with everyone around her. She loved animals, especially cats and dogs, and enjoyed gardening and spending time outside. She was also a wonderful cook and enjoyed a good meal, especially when her son-in-law was the one doing the cooking.
A celebration of Demetha’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 11am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Sam Jackson, III officiating. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 5, at the funeral home from 5pm until 7pm.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to SARCOA for giving such loving care to our mother over the last few years, especially Jada and Tee.
