Trilby D. Patton

The Author of the Ages begins Trilby's life on July 31, 1937. She was the fifth daughter of James C. and Lucille Patton, the sister of Aretha, Travania, Gwendolyn, and Ruth. She was Sonya’s aunt, and the great aunt for Erroll Coleman, and Anthony Vaughn.

Trilby received her education in the Nashville Public School system. After graduating from the historic Pearl High School, she attended Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University in Nashville, Tennessee where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Shortly after graduation, she began her career as a classroom teacher for the Memphis City School System. Years later, she returned to Tennessee State University and earned her Master of Education degree by researching how the learning process impacted students from low socio-economic households. Next, Trilby enrolled in the education graduate program at the University of Memphis and earned an additional 45+ hours in the study and research of education.

Trilby had to admit that her career in teaching second grade scholars was at times extremely challenging, but most importantly it was exceptionally rewarding and exciting! And this is why she spent 30 loyal years of dedicated service teaching the little ones in the Memphis City School System. Trilby retired in 1990 and moved back to her family home. When she returned home to Nashville, the teaching bug hit Trilby and so, she signed up to be a regular substitute in the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools district. In addition to teaching, Trilby enjoyed reading, shopping, and being with her sisters, niece, nephews as well as traveling domestically and internationally.

Trilby was also a collector. She held onto the historic writings of her mother and obituaries of church members of long ago. In other words, she preserved the history of Hillcrest within the confines of her room.

Accepting Christ as her personal saviour at a young age, Trilby began to assist the church in many projects. Trilby and her sisters supported and gave gifts to the Uplift Ministries program, which was created by Elder Alvin Bass. Every Christmas Trilby and her sisters brought gifts for the guests from the Room at the Inn program. Trilby has also been a contributing member of the Hillcrest Seventh-day Adventist Church Master’s Workers Club.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us that we are stronger together. Trilby exhibited this Biblical teaching by holding memberships in several organizations. In addition to the Master’s Workers Club, She was a member of the TSU Alumni Association-Vintagers, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Delta Omega Chapter; National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Beta Chapter; and the Memphis and Shelby County Retired Teachers Association.

The feisty and full of energy Trilby lived life to its fullest. She was compassionate, dedicated, and always willing to assist others. She was a world traveler and a life-long learner.

Trilby devernne Patton was the last surviving member of the immediate Patton family.

Trilby was preceded in death by her parents James C. and Lucille Patton; her sisters Travania Patton, Marion Aretha Franklin, Ruth E. Patton, and Gwendolyn Irene Patton. She took loving care of her sisters until they went to sleep in Jesus. Without question, Trilby knew the meaning of sisterly love and was unapologetically devoted to each of them.

And now, as the Creator of Grace and Mercy brings closure to Trilby’s Story of Life, He remembers those who are left to hold close the memories of Trilby; niece~Sonya Franklin-Thompson; great nephews~Erroll Coleman and Anthony Vaughn from Maplewood, New Jersey; devoted cousins~Bill Allen, Shireece Firoul, William “Corky” Bell (Janet); goddaughter Ruth Kelsey; dear friends~ Mrs. Juanita Wynn, Mrs. Shalita Stadaker Walker, Mrs. B. Howard Vanlier, Mrs. Sallie Lowe, Ms. Angela Carter, Ms. Ruth Young, and a host of cousins and friends; Master’s Workers Club, TSU Alumni Association-Vintagers, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Alpha Delta Omega Chapter; National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Beta Chapter; and the Memphis and the Shelby County Retired Teachers Association.