Martha Rose Patterson Thompson

Martha Rose Patterson Thompson, age 48, of Rockwood, Tennessee passed away in the presence of her husband and two children at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 18, 2023. To honor her two homes, there will be two services. The first service will be held in Rockwood, Tennessee, her home where she and Eric raised their family, and the second service in Oxford, Mississippi, her birthplace and home for 27 years.

Martha is preceded in death by her loving father Travis Lee Patterson. She was born on May 4, 1974, in Oxford, Mississippi. She grew up in the Potlocona community (Lafayette County Mississippi) near Oxford. She married her high school sweetheart Eric on July 25, 1992. She has resided in Rockwood, Tennessee for the last 21 years. She leaves behind her husband of 30 years, Eric Dean Thompson; her son, Alexander Dean Thompson; her daughter, Emily Rose Thompson; her mother, Martha Nell McGill Patterson; her brother, Kevin Patterson (wife Kristie); sister, Carol Turberville (husband Chris); as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended relatives and friends.

Martha was the heartbeat of her family and friends. She loved with all of her being whether it be by cooking a meal, offering her home, brewing up a cup of coffee, giving a hug, sharing a laugh, or lending an ear. She selflessly put everyone’s needs ahead of her own and never asked for anything in return. When something needed to be done, she was the first to jump in and take care of everything and everyone. She glowed with the love of her Savior Jesus Christ, whom she faithfully served and praised throughout her life.

She was a woman of many talents. She diligently homeschooled both of her children, sung with a voice of an angel, played the piano passionately, and cooked with the grace of a true southern lady. She enjoyed dabbling with other crafts throughout the years like bath and beauty products and cross-stitching. She bred poodles in the hopes of sharing the joy she found in their companionship.

She struggled with many health complications since she was 30 years old. While many would have been tempted to succumb to these afflictions, she chose to defy sickness by living her life to the fullest. She refused to allow her declining health to rob her of her joy, her smile, her laugh, her peace, her spunk, and her sense of adventure. She never stopped concerning herself with others’ needs before her own. It was her strong faith in Christ and the love she had for her family that pushed her to champion over her diseases for as long as she did. Although her family and friends ache with her absence, we know that she has been made whole and well in the presence of her Savior. She fought a good fight until she was called home where she can sing her praises directly to Jesus.

The first service will take place at Evans Mortuary in Rockwood, Tennessee with visitation from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, with the funeral services to follow at 7:00 PM. The second service will be at Waller Funeral Home in Oxford, Mississippi on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM with the services starting at 2:00 PM. Graveside services and burial will follow at New El Bethel Church in Lafayette County, Mississippi. Bro. Kenny Blackwell, Bro. Travis Langley, and Bro. Jonathan Jones will officiate both services.