Anne Lea Patterson

ANNE LEA PATTERSON, 79, a woman after God's own heart, passed from this life on Sept. 22, 2016. She was born on April 6, 1937 to Gladys Lea and Leeland Sartin in Gloster, Miss. She graduated from Little Rock High School (LR Central) in 1954 and was active in a number of school activities, especially those related to music. Anne Lea remained active among her high school alumni group, helping to plan many reunions throughout the years. She attended Baylor University and then transferred to the University of Arkansas where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma in 1956. It was then that Anne Lea was swept off her feet by Charles Wesley Patterson Jr (her husband of 52 years) and they both transferred to University of Central Arkansas to begin their family and complete their degrees. Anne Lea is known for her love of music, especially her gift of playing piano by ear. Through her music, she entertained, soothed, and loved countless people across the world. She began playing for other people as a very young girl and continued playing until the day before she passed away, when she entertained other patients in the hospital. Any time she passed by a piano that was not being played, she sat down to play. Anne Lea is a lifetime member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, served on committees, and of course, played the piano for nearly 80 years. Her church family has always been very important to her and the church's impact on her life cannot be overestimated. She dearly loved her friends in the Happiness Singers, The Bridge House (just shy of Life Master), and all the other groups and clubs in which she actively participated. Anne Lea and Charlie lived every day to the fullest. They traveled extensively across the world while scuba diving in the South Pacific, fishing in the Alaskan Tundra, watching their race horses, attending Razorback football and basketball games, and sunset boating on the Arkansas River. Above all else, serving the church and their family was the most important aspect of their lives. Anne Lea continued her adventures and love of life after losing Charlie seven years ago. They have left a legacy that family and friends will always cherish. The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to all of the friends, medical professionals, caregivers and loved ones who have blessed us with incredible love and care for both Anne Lea and Charlie. Anne Lea was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Charles Wesley Patterson Jr.; and her parents, Leeland and Gladys Sartin. Anne Lea is survived by her children, Wes Patterson, Holly Patterson, Clay Patterson, Reverend Brock Patterson (ShawnD'), and Lea Ellen Jones (Billy). Nana and Gramps are also survived by their 6 precious and perfect grandchildren: Jessica Edrington (Richard), Meagan Patterson, William Jones, Rachel Patterson, Payson Jones, and Gracie Patterson. A Memorial Service to honor her life is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, Little Rock, led by Rev. Brock Patterson and Dr. Randy Hyde. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, Ark. 72205, or to FaithSpring Church, PO Box 242535, Little Rock, Ark. 72223-2535. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., 501-224-2200. Anne Lea's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.