Mrs. Dorothy Lee Deal Patterson, 96, of Lillington, NC, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at The Lodge of Rocky Mount surrounded by her family. She was born in Harnett County to Irvin Judd and Eunice Elizabeth Deal on March 31, 1930. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Fred Brown Patterson; sisters Ora Mae McNeill, Polly Spivey, Sue Nell Deal, Faye Denkins; brother Jimmy Deal.

She is survived by her daughters; Brenda Collins and her husband Ray of Rocky Mount, NC, and Melissa Cox and her husband Terry of Asheboro, NC. Grandchildren; Ben Collins and wife Helen, Emily Simpson and her husband Andrew, Kathryn Jones and her husband Kenny, Matthew Cox and his wife Callie and Morgan Cox. Great-grandchildren; Judd, Maggie and Ike Collins, Hagan, Cece and Elsie Simpson, Eleanor, Ann Patterson and Alice Jones, Theo and Isabel Cox. She is also survived by her sister Lib O'Kelley, and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was a very active member in every church she attended; Dorothy served in various capacities. She worked many years as a Sunbeams and GA leader, encouraging young girls to memorize scripture and apply its truths. Much of her work was behind the scenes. Her everyday life was sending cards, making phone calls, carrying friends to medical appointments, delivering food to homebound, sick or bereaved and supporting her husband in his role as deacon.

Dorothy's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest joy. Her prayers for them were always "Lord please protect them wherever they are today and help them serve you." The most sincere prayer of her life was that her family would know and love the Lord.

In the last few years of her life, she was loved by her caretakers and will be remembered as the little lady who always said, "I love you, thank you and you're a nice person." 

A graveside service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 A.M., June 17, 2026, at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Mamers, NC with Dr Kenny Jones officiating. Special music by her niece, Beth O'Kelley. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the graveside service.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, Mamers, NC.