Mrs. Sally (Womack) Patterson

This obituary was lovingly prepared by her family.

Sally Womack Patterson, age 83, of Porterdale, Georgia, entered her eternal rest, reunited with her beloved husband, Bishop J. A. Patterson, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Born on August 30, 1942, in Porterdale, she lived a life marked by unwavering faith, sincere compassion, and wholehearted devotion to the work of the Lord.

Affectionately known to her family and church as “Nana Patterson”, she was a woman whose life radiated grace, strength, and a deep love for God. She was a gifted singer and musician, whose anointed voice and heartfelt worship blessed congregations for decades. Whether she was singing, playing the piano, organ, or accordion, or lifting her voice in prayer, the presence of God followed her. Music was not simply her talent; it was her ministry.

Sally was known as a prayer warrior, a woman who carried a true burden for souls. Her prayers strengthened her family, encouraged her church, and touched people far beyond her reach. She lived with a heart fully surrendered to the will of God, always ready to intercede, comfort, and minister to anyone in need.

On December 8, 1961, she married the love of her life, Jerry Patterson, and for 64 years, she stood faithfully by his side as his partner in life and ministry. Together, they served and pastored churches across multiple states, and ultimately established Faith Tabernacle in Conyers, Georgia. Sally’s steadfast support, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment were essential to the countless lives reached through their shared ministry. She embodied the calling of a pastor’s wife - faithful, prayerful, gracious, and steadfast. She was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman.

Through the decades, Sally influenced generations with her kindness, encouragement, and godly example. She touched lives through her music, her prayerful spirit, her words of wisdom, and the gentle strength with which she lived her faith. To her family, she was a loving matriarch; to her church, she was a pillar of faith; to her community, she was a beacon of compassion and dignity.

Those who knew Nana Patterson will remember her warm smile, her soft yet strong voice of encouragement, her unwavering love for God’s Word, and her sincere desire to see people saved. Her life was a song of worship, a prayer of sacrifice, and a testimony of faithfulness. The legacy she leaves behind is immeasurable as it is carried in the hearts of her family, her church, and the many souls who were uplifted by her ministry.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Bishop J. A. Patterson; her parents Barrett and Elsie Womack; her granddaughter-in-law, Denisha Patterson; and her grandson, Jacob McClure.

Sally is survived by her son, Ricky A. Patterson; her daughter, Sheri Knarr (Danny); her grandchildren: Michael A. Patterson (Wendy), Jessica Masters, Ashton Pressley (Casey), Mandy Anderson (Dustin), and Grace Patterson; her great-grandsons Corban, Logan, Blake, Caleb, Bennett, and Dalton; and her great-granddaughters Kalyn, Mia, Amilia, and Addison. She is also survived by her loving sister Becky Watts, numerous nieces and nephews, along with extended family, friends, and their beloved miniature schnauzer, Master Piper Patterson, as well as the many spiritual sons and daughters who lovingly called her “Nana.”

Funeral services for Mrs. Patterson will be held at 1 o'clock, Monday, December 8, 2025 at Faith Tabernacle with Michael A. Patterson officiating. Interment will follow the service at Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Faith Tabernacle. J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with the services.

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