Opal Lee Patterson

Opal Lee Patterson, 90, North Manchester, IN died Tuesday, July 30, 2013 in Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester, IN. She was born February 8, 1923 in Tuscaloosa, AL to Grover Cleveland Tucker & Rachel (Moore) Tucker. She graduated from Tuscaloosa (AL) High School in 1940 where she was a member of the National Honor Society. On March 30, 1944 she married Paul E. Patterson. He died July 31, 1987. She was employed at the University of Alabama as a secretary for four years. After she and her husband, Paul, moved to North Manchester (IN) she graduated from Manchester College in 1962 with distinction. She received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from St. Francis College, Fort Wayne (IN) in 1969. She taught at Thomas Marshall Elementary School in Columbia City (IN) and Chester Elementary School in North Manchester (IN). She was a first grade teacher in the Metropolitan School District of Wabash County from 1970-1979. After retiring in 1979, she did private tutoring for adults. her husband, Paul, was an elementary teacher & principal at Laketon Elementary School, Laketon (IN). Opal was a member of North Manchester United Methodist Church. She is survived by one daughter, Diane M. (David) Ciolli, Springboro, OH; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Seven brothers and four sisters are deceased. Family and friends may call Friday, August 2, 2013 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Peabody Chapel, 400 W. Seventh Street, North Manchester, IN. Services will be Friday, August 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Peabody Chapel, 400 W. Seventh Street, North Manchester, IN. Rev. Sue Babovec & Pastor Mark Eastway will officiate. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester, IN. Arrangements entrusted to McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Opal Lee Patterson, memorial contributions may be made to Peabody Retirement Community Caring Circle, 400 W. Seventh Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 or North Manchester United Methodist Church, 306 E. Second Street, North Manchester, IN 46962. To send a private condolence to the Patterson family, use the condolence link on the Homepage.