Martha Orelee Bridges Patton
Funeral services for Martha Orelee Bridges Patton were held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at East Leesville Baptist Church with Reverends Tommy Kiker and Gil Arthur officiating. The burial followed in Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. The pallbearers were Ryan Opio, Rick Howe, Everett Bridges, Danny Bridges, Albert Bridges,, William O. Bridges, and Lloyd Burleson. The honorary pallbearer was Huey L. Patton.
A visitation was held at the church on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Orelee was born May 20, 1928, in Rattan (Toro Community), Louisiana and passed away at her home in Anacoco, Louisiana on March 9, 2023, at the age of 94.
She leaves a legacy that will endure for many generations and will forever be cherished in the lives of her family. Orelee was a lifelong resident of Leesville. In 1945 she graduated from Pisgah High School as Salutatorian of her class. She met and married the love of life and of 60 years, Marshal J. Patton in 1948.
Orelee and Marshal served over 50 years as faithful members of the East Leesville Baptist Church and community. She served in many areas of the church, serving as church clerk for 17 years, was a faithful deacon’s wife and continued to teach Sunday School from 1975 until 2020. She loved and cherished the ladies in her Sunday School class and the many memories from her years of teaching. This allowed her to be an extension of Jesus as she served with love, mercy, and grace to all.
Since moving to Leesville in 1957 she held many roles in the community. She worked as a Salesclerk at The Fashion (Ladies Dress Shop) from 1961-1972. In 1972 she began her career with the Vernon Bank. She held several positions during her time and retired as a Branch Manager in 1993. She and Marshal, together were active in the Leesville Chapters of The Masonic Lodge and The Order of Eastern Star, holding leadership positions in each.
Orelee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marshal James Patton; her parents, Edward Ovie Bridges and Sarah Beatrice Stringer Bridges; brothers, Oden E. Bridges, C. Edward Bridges, and Ivy H. Bridges; and sister, Fern Herrington.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Gary J. Patton of Anacoco; daughter, Betty Patton Hinson and husband Mack of Anacoco; grandchildren, Todd Hinson, Madonna Sheaffer and husband David, Ryan Opio and wife Lori, and Kelly David and husband Danny; great-grandchildren, Brett Sheaffer and wife Alyssa, Cory Sheaffer and wife Debbie, McKinzie Kidd and husband Timmy, McKayla Hinson, Morigan Hinson, Reagan David, Rebecca David, and Beau David; great-great-granddaughter, Chloe Sheaffer; brother, William Clifton Bridges of Hornbeck, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Orelee’s family extends their thanks and special appreciation to her friend and caregiver, Kellie Brown for her love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to East Leesville Baptist Building Fund in her memory. (ELBC@ELBchurch.org)
