Remembering Mrs. Patton
As we remember Mrs. Patton here at CGHS, we know a lot of past and present students, teachers and others have memories and stories about this wonderful lady. If you would like to, please e-mail any story, memory or tribute you have of Mrs. Patton as I am creating a link for these articles.
Send e-mails to davidbarnard@thecghs.com.
For every person who attended Powell Valley High School, the name Mrs. Patton is a familiar one. Hers was the first face seen by most students as we walked through the orange-painted doors each morning. She was the first to arrive at school, and as we went through the lunch line, her tiny hand was the one there to take the forty cents that it cost to buy a lunch. Some of us can even remember her coming to each class every morning selling paper and pencils. It didn’t take her long to do this, as she had the energy of the teenagers who surrounded her.
Mrs. Patton cared about every student who walked the halls of Powell Valley High School life. She treated each student equally, and we all had the same name to her - Honey.
She made it a point to get to know every student, connecting us all through our parents and grandparents, sometimes stopping us in the halls to ask how they were. We had to behave whenever she was around, for we knew if we misbehaved she would tell our parents. She watched out for us just as our own parents did, and we knew she had our best interest in mind, for she loved us all and wanted each of us to excel.
Her day didn’t end at 3:00, though. When we attended a basketball game, once again she was the first person to be seen, sitting at the table with her dainty hand out for more money. And was she ever great with money. She was the little lady that pestered all the businesses in the area, asking for donations for our little school of huge importance. She saw a need, and did what it took to get things done. We will never have another lady like her.
Mrs. Patton always had a kind word for everyone, and was a lady in every sense of the word. Though her title was bookkeeper, she was a teacher at Powell Valley, and later Cumberland Gap. She taught us how we should treat one another, and how, if we worked hard at something, we would succeed. She was a teacher of the lessons of life, lessons of how we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Mrs. Patton
I would like to tell you about Mrs. Billie Patton, a special person in my life, who passed away on Thursday February 18, 2010. I always called her Ms. Patton, but many referred to her as Mom, Granny, and Nana. My first memory of Ms. Patton was in 1974, the first year I taught at the old PVHS. I was a young, skinny, scarred, and very unconfident young man. Ms. Patton had a gentle caring way about her that made you feel special. Ms. Patton never met a stranger; she would befriend and talk to almost anyone young or old. In the years since I met Ms. Patton, she served the Claiborne County School System at PVHS and CGHS as aide, secretary, and bookkeeper. Ms. Patton did each of these jobs with dedication, honesty and integrity above and beyond the call of duty. She would always go beyond what was required in helping others at school. Teachers as well as administrators could depend on her help in almost any endeavor. Since she knew almost everybody, she was a vital communication link between parents, teachers, and students. It always seemed she put the interest and needs of others above her own. She always knew when a kind or encouraging word or deed was needed. Sometimes out of the blue, you would find a card or note in you school mail box or on your desk with just the right inspiration that was needed. Ms. Patton’s day started early, she was at school usually between 6 and 6:30 am, she did this up to the last day she was at school this year. She had the energy and spunk of one many years her younger.
Mrs. Patton was a keen business operator; every penny had to be accounted for. Those who remember Ms. Patton know you would not have any peace until you had collected and turned in any money that was due. Some said they thought she could sell drowning person water; it was easier to go ahead and buy than to try to get out of it. She believed in getting every penny that was hers but didn’t want a penny that wasn’t hers. Only a few were aware of many behind the scene acts of love for others such as, a student who was in need of shoes, a coat, or lunch money was somehow discreetly taken care of.
If there was a student or staff member who needed a helping hand, Ms. Patton was instrumental in discovering and addressing such needs. Ms. Patton was beloved by most students because of her loving way she interacted with them, but in many cases if they crossed the line she would not hesitated to correct them and sometimes call mom or dad.
I can honestly and sincerely say my life has been blessed because of my association with one of the best friends ever, Mrs. Billie Patton. She had become almost like a second mom to me. For the past 18 years or more, each school day started with a short visit and talk with Ms. Patton. Over the years we shared our ups and downs, prayers, confiding in each others problems and concerns, giving and receiving our best advice, and just being there for each other. I can’t tell you how much of a void it has been since she left us, for I miss her greatly. I am thankful that God allowed her to work and be active up to the very day she became ill. Ms. Patton didn’t want to retire or be dependent on anyone. She said many times, when her work here is over she was ready to go home (heaven).
I think we could learn many valuable lessons from the life of Ms. Patton that would enhance our lives as well as those around us. We should always be honest, not only to others but to ourselves and God. Give and plant flowers in the lives of those around you daily. Don’t be afraid to say thank you. Go above and beyond the call of duty in your work, friendships, and families. Tell those who are dear to you how much you love and appreciate them daily. Don’t let kind words or deeds go unnoticed. Help those around you without expecting anything in return. Don’t stop until the job is done. May it be said, we did our best.
Although I feel this is a feeble attempt, I appreciate the opportunity to share these heartfelt thoughts about a Dear and Precious Friend who will always have a special place in my heart and in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She will be missed, but she will live on in the lives of those she touched and loved over the many years. Please keep Ms. Patton’s daughter, son, grandchildren, and family in your prayers.
Larry Anderson
I will add any additional story or comment here as they come in!