I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: hence forth there is laid up for me a crown for righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at the day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8.
On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Mrs. Emmaline Byrd Patrick, 81 of Winston-Salem, also known as "Big Ma, Me Maw and E-Ma," entered into eternal rest. She was born on May 22, 1930 in Caswell County, NC to the late Mary J. Byrd and William A. Byrd.
She retired from Forsyth Memorial Hospital with 24 years of service in the Physical Therapist Department. She was a member of St. John CME Church where she faithful served on the Spiritual choir, Nurses Board and the Sr. Citizens Club until her health declined. She loved her church, flowers, making quilts and working in her yard.
Mrs. Patrick was preceded in death by her late husband of 48 years, Mr. Herman G. Patrick, who passed on October 24, 1994. She was also preceded in death by her two children, Faye P. Lowery, Willie Herman Patrick, Sr. five brothers, and one sister.
She is survived by six loving and devoted children, Shirley A. Patrick of the home, Mae (Mayo) Reaves, Louise (Calvin) Austin, Elder Raymond (Beatrice) Patrick, Carl (Alfreda) Patrick, and James (Barbara) Patrick; twenty three grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; four great- great grandchildren, two sisters; Ms. Jessie Totten of Reidsville, NC and Ms. Flossie Slade of Greensboro, NC; one brother Mr. Jerry (Doris) Byrd of Elon College, NC; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends; a very special friend, Mr. Willie J. Meadows and a very devoted family friend Sandy Payne; other special friends, Rev. Rita Jones, The Ellis Family, Amanda Wilson, The Isaiah Todd Family, Willie Williams, Patricia Christian, Teresa Milner and Darryl Patterson.
A homegoing celebration will be held at 12noon Monday, October 17, 2011 at St. John CME Church, 350 Northwest Crawford Place, W-S, NC, with Rev. Rita Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Monday at the Church. The family can be contacted at the home on 2229 N. E. 24th Street W-S, NC.
The family would like to acknowledge and especially thank Hospice and Palliative Care Center, Dr. Patricia Klein, Dr. Douglas Stewart, Dr. David Bohle and Mr. R. L. Ellis of the WS Fire Department.