Services for Melida Louise Wilson Patterson will be held Thursday, August 6, at 10:00 am, at First Presbyterian Church of Meridian, MS, with Dr. Rhett Payne officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 5, and one hour prior to service on Thursday. Her burial service will be held at Memorial Park in Memphis, TN at 3:30 pm. Melida Wilson Patterson, 64, passed away Sunday, August 2, at her home following a long and courageous battle with cancer, with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Marion Wilson. Melida was born in Biloxi, MS where she graduated from Biloxi High School. Melida earned her degree in nutrition from Mississippi State University in 1973 where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She completed her internship at the University of Wisconsin. She worked as a Clinical Dietitian in several hospitals most notable of these was Baptist Memorial in Memphis, where she met the love of her life, Bill. Bill and Melida called several cities in the South home. In each location, Melida made lasting friendships and contributions to her local church and community. While living in Meridian Melida developed a special love and affection for the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi. She served as a volunteer, board member, and their President. She was also a member of Town and Country Garden Club. Along with her beautiful family, Melida considered her large number of friends her greatest treasure. She once stated that "some people collect objects, but I prefer to collect friends". She was a true friend in return. In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother and friend, Melida excelled as a community leader and clinician. She was a seamstress and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Melida is survived by her husband of 32 years, William (Bill) McRee Patterson and her children, son, William Russell Patterson of Fort Collins CO, two daughters, Caroline McRee Patterson and Elizabeth Ogden Patterson, of Meridian; grandson, Cannon Blake Hennington. She is also survived by two brothers, Stephen Wilson of Charleston, SC and Duane Wilson of Diamond Head, MS, and ten nieces and one nephew. Pallbearers will be Bob Blubaugh, Greg Moranto, Bent Moulds, Jim Lauderdale, Bob Luke, Chuck Reese, and David White. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi, First Presbyterian Church of Meridian or a charity of your choice. Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com
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