Virginia Patten

Lake Junaluska, Virginia Nash Patten, age 86, of 114 Wilcox Drive, died peacefully at her home June 1, 2014. A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Ginny was the daughter of the late Lucie Nelson and Commander Thomas Lewis Nash, (USN). Her sister, Mary Elizabeth Nash Farris and husband, Reverend Brooks Patten also predeceased her. She was a member of Long's Chapel United Methodist Church where she participated in the choir and with the United Methodist Women. A talented artist, she was a member of the Blue Ridge Water Media Society and participated in many exhibitions. She was a former member of Hugh Rogers Chapter, DAR; a member of the Tuscola Garden Club and past president of the Lake Junaluska Woman's Club. She volunteered with the Open Door and Meals on Wheels. Ginny was a loving caregiver for her mother, who died in 1995 at age 99, and her husband, who died in 2011 at 93. As the daughter of a naval officer, Ginny lived all over the world. She was a graduate of George Washington High School, Alexandria, Virginia, attended Randolph-Macon Women's College, and graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. She was a Field Director of Girl scouting in the Wake-Johnston, Wilson Counties Council. Ginny taught special education and K-3 in North Carolina public schools. As a minister's wife, she served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, UMW member and youth leader. Ginny is survived by a brother-in-law, Dr. Kemp Jones of Chapel Hill; her sons and their wives, Read, Don (Ginny); Rob (Lisa); and Tom (Katie); eight grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews. She will be treasured in the memories of her children and grandchildren, with whom she spent many happy hours enjoying the outdoors, water sports, playing games and sharing her love of art and travel. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at Long's Chapel United Methodist Church, with Dr. Reverend Charles W. "Chuck" Wilson, Reverend Bruce Pate, and Dr. Ron Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Saturday prior to the services in the Venue at the church. An interment will be held at Old Chapel Cemetery, Chapel Hill, NC at a later date. The family requests memorial gifts be made to one of Ginny's favorite charities, Open Door Ministries, 32 Commerce Street, Waynesville, NC 28786, Heifer Foundation, P.O. Box 727, Little Rock AR., 72203 or Long's Chapel United Methodist Church P.O. Box 459, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.

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