Pauline Wells Patton, age 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 23, 2014. She was a woman of great faith in God who had a zest for life. She taught Sunday School for over 50 years until dementia took away her beautiful memory. One of her joys in life was the women in her Sunday School class that she mentored. She was a wonderful Mother, friend, grandmother, aunt, and a blessing to many people. She never met a stranger or someone that she didn't want to help. Even as her mind faded, she still had the capacity to share her hugs with those around her. She was the most curious person we've ever met. She loved to travel and visit with others. She was a wonderful example of God's love and mercy to her children and others. She loved her children and grandchildren beyond measure. She and her husband served churches all around East Tennessee. One of the things she most enjoyed was leading Vacation Bible Schools around the region.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Flora Gildon. Her husbands, Rod Patton , and Rev. Clarence Wells, her siblings, Alice, George, Bruce, Mary Rosie, Cecil, Lucy, Bertie, and Henry.
She is survived by her son, Wayne (Myra) Wells, her daughter, Carolyn (Jon ) Shipley. Her grandchildren, Mark A. Wells, J. Kipp Shipley II, Windy (Angelique) York, and Jamie (Ronnie) Cash. Great-grandchildren, Brandon (Brittany) York, Sarah and Cathy Cash, and Ashley (Brian) Massengale, and Jacky York. Great-great grandchildren, Ethan and Easton York, Maci and Bria Massengale. She has many nieces and nephews that she loved visiting with. Special nieces were Dot (Tom) Milligan and Billie Faye (Bob) McGhee who visited her consistently and cared for her.
She was a member of Second Baptist Church in Clinton, TN. Many thanks to her caregivers at Canterfield of Oak Ridge. The love you demonstrated to her will never be forgotten by her family. The way you took care of her physically as well as hugged her, and the smiles you shared were special for all to see. You cared for her just like she was your own family member. You took care of us as well in these last days. We are grateful to all of you who touched her life.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 27th at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton at 8 PM with Rev. Jim McPherson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM prior to service. Graveside service will be Sunday, December 28th at 2 PM at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com