Flatwoods, KY - Mary Elizabeth Johnson Patterson, 81, of Flatwoods, Kentucky, passed away with her loving family by her side on August 8, 2025. Mary was born in Richmond, Virginia on Nov 20, 1943 to the late Harry Linwood Johnson Sr. and Harriet Matilda Wakefield Johnson. Mary Johnson was raised in a strong matriarchal family in Richmond, Va. She loved trips to Buckroe Beach to swim in the Chesapeake Bay and play with her close-knit siblings, Martha and Harry. After receiving her nursing degree from the University of Virginia in 1965, Mary quickly ascended from UVA pediatric staff to assistant head nurse, head nurse and clinical instructor in 4 short years when she met the love of her life Larry Patterson. They married in 1968 and moved to Flint, MI where she gave birth to her two boys, Michael and Matthew. The family later settled in Flatwoods, KY in 1978 where Mary was a nurse at Tri-State Pediatrics from 1988-2007, when she retired. Mary was a strong independent woman, leader, excellent card player (who loved to win!) and a compassionate pediatric nurse. She was a gifted gardener and antique collector, passions she shared with her husband of 41 years. Always known for her thriftiness, she once offered a quarter for a 50-cent priced antique. But when the seller would not come down in price, she walked away! When Mary drew a line in the sand, the line did not move! She loved spending time with family. She loved the Cincinnati Reds, baking, UK Wildcats, British dramas and Daisy, her trusted beagle and primary companion over the last several years. Most importantly, Mary was a loving wife, mother and grandmother (Mee Maw). Mary was a generous volunteer in the community with the Homemaker's Club, Cub Scouts, PTA, Elections Precinct, Band parent, March of Dimes, Children's Remedial Reading and her work at First Presbyterian Church with the Cookie Exchange and Backpack programs. Left to cherish her memory are children Michael (Christina) Patterson, Matthew (Diana) Patterson, grandchildren Cole Patterson, Mazi Patterson and Mavis Patterson, sister Martha (Scott) Adams, sister-in-law Janet Fleischauer and several nieces and nephews. Other than her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Larry Patterson and brother, Harry Johnson Jr.

A memorial service is to be held on Saturday, Aug 23rd, 2025 with visitation starting at 11:30AM. The celebration of life service will start at 12:00 noon at First Presbyterian Church of Ashland. 1600 Winchester Avenue, Ashland KY, with opening services by the Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities followed by words of comfort by Rev. William "Bill" Pollack. In lieu of flowers, people can donate to the First Presbyterian backpack program. https://onrealm.org/FirstPresbyterian/-/form/give/now.

To express a condolence to her family or to view her video tribute, please visit her web page at www.steenfuneralhome.com.