Joan Thomas Patten

Joan Thomas Patten, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Compass Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center following several months of declining health. Born on April 30, 1939, in Orange County, Joan was the beloved wife of the late William Bradford “Bill” Patten, who predeceased her in 2006.

Joan dedicated thirty-five years of her career to Burlington Industries, where she served as the planning manager of the Reidsville plant. While residing in Reidsville with her husband, she was an active member of Greenwood Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder. Following Bill’s passing, she returned to Alamance County and started attending St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Joan was passionate about giving back to her community, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and was known for her creative flair, producing numerous oil paintings throughout her life, and she enjoyed camping with family and friends. An avid viewer of "Wheel of Fortune," she won a memorable trip to Jamaica in 2007 and traveled to Europe in 2009. Above all, Joan cherished the time spent with her family and friends.

Joan is survived by her beloved daughters, Deborah Patterson, Lisa Miles and her husband Mark Montgomery, and Leslie Smith and her husband Bryan; her grandchildren, Whitney Smith and Tyler Smith and his wife, Leslie; her siblings, Ken Thomas, Peggy Young, Gail Thomas, and Kay Walter and her husband Jack; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving mother and stepfather, Cornelia and Joseph “Joe” Colicchio, and her husband, William “Bill” Patten.

The funeral service celebrating Joan's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Pastor David Ealy, with the entombment to follow at Alamance Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM on Tuesday prior to the service.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff and nurses at Compass Healthcare & Rehabilitation for their compassionate care and support during Joan’s illness.

Memorials may be made to the Alamance County Meals on Wheels, 411 West Fifth Street, Suite A, Burlington, NC 27215. You may send condolences and watch the service online at www.lowefuneralhome.com