Obituary List

LORENE PATTON

Marjorie Lorene Hollingsworth Patton of Windsor, Florida passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025 with her family by her side. She recently shared her 96th birthday with her many loved ones in March.

Lorene was born in Gainesville, Florida on March 3, 1929, at the beginning of the Great Depression, to Perry James Hollingsworth and Fay Myrtle Kite Hollingsworth. Her father worked in logging camps, so the family lived in many places throughout Florida during her upbringing; eventually settling in Windsor, Florida. Lorene attended Gainesville High School where she met the great love of her life, William Joseph Merrel Patton.

Lorene and Merrel were married on May 5, 1946 at the ages of 17 and 20. They lived in Gainesville, Florida and later settled in Windsor, Florida where they raised five children and watched their grandchildren grow. They shared 72 years of marriage until Merrel’s passing in 2018.

Lorene’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a stay at home mom fiercely dedicated to her children’s happiness, success and education. With little, she created much; she made a home of unconditional love where her children grew and flourished. She shared that same unwavering love with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Later in life, Lorene began working outside the home to provide the best education available for her children. She worked in retail and then at Shands Hospital, University of Florida Physicians. True to her spirit, she was a great advocate for patients, assisting them with their insurance benefits and ensuring their needs were met. She retired at age 67.

Lorene was a master seamstress and shared this talent with her family; sewing one of a kind wedding dresses, tuxedos, and clothing of all kinds. As a young mother with limited resources, she spent her time sewing clothing for children in the community who were otherwise without. She was extremely well-read and rarely seen without her nose in a book during her free time. She loved spending time with friends and family, especially frequent family gatherings, travel and camping trips. Above all, her focus was on others; making sure everyone was happy, well-fed and loved.

Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, William Joseph Merrel Patton; her parents, Perry James Hollingsworth and Fay Myrtle Kite Hollingsworth; her sisters, Margaret Hollingsworth, Betty Pons, Joann Parker and Helen Sakalarios and her son-in-law, Marion Eugene O'Quinn. She is survived by her children: Sharon O'Quinn (Gene), Garron Patton (Linda), Andra Higgins (Ed), Joel Patton (Tina) and Kevin Patton (Tina); her grandchildren: Perry O'Quinn (Heather), Amy Whitworth (Daryl), Cale O'Quinn (Trang), Melissa Steele Eyster (Jay), Lorrinda Patton Aycock (Wes), Garra Patton (Mike), Quint Higgins (Noveline), Brad Higgins (Diana), Lindsey Patton Walker (Dave), Brandon Patton (Marissa), Rita Smith, David Paul Patton, Thomas Patton (Ciera) and Luke Patton; fifteen great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.

Lorene will be greatly missed and remembered fondly for her strong will, unwavering principles, kind heart and devotion to her family. She treated others with kindness and dignity and was loved by all who were fortunate enough to stand in her light. She leaves a great legacy for us in the strength of character and unconditional devotion that she passed on through many generations.

Please join us for a graveside service at 11:00 am on Friday, April 25th at Evergreen Cemetery, 401 SE 21st Avenue, Gainesville, Florida. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends from 12:00 - 4:00pm at Drury Inn & Suites, 4000 SW 40th Blvd., Gainesville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been trusted to ICS Cremation & Funeral Home located at 357 NW Wilks Lane, Lake City, FL 32055. 1-386-752-3436.

www.icsfuneralservices.com