Feggins Funeral Home | South Hill, VA

Obituary For Sarah Louise Patillo

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, December 16, 2023 Time: 1:00 PM Union RZUA Church, 252 Old Poole Road, Alberta, VA 23821 Rev. Solomon Wilkins, Pastor

MRS. SARAH LOUISE GATLING PATILLO, closed her earthly chapter and returned to the one who loved her the most on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 11:21 AM at her home and at peace with her son. She was born May 24, 1943 to the late Rev. William and Bettie Lee Stigall Gatling in Mecklenburg County, VA. God gives purpose in life, even to the end. Only God knows what is best, and His timing, even in the matter of one’s death, is perfect. She was also preceded in death by her siblings- Lawrence Taylor, Sherman Gatling, Clunner Williams, Simon Williams, Mac Williams, Hester Williams, and a first cousin who was reared like a brother- Ross “Tennie Pettus” Gatling.

At an early age she was baptized and joined Union R.Z.U.A. Church, Meredithville, VA, where her dad, Rev. William Gatling once served as pastor. She was quite active in her church activities and was a member of the Pastor’s Aide, Missionary, Mother Board, and Usher Board before her health began to decline. She loved telling people that she was a member at Union and that her dad was a preacher. She would say that people often state that preacher’s children are the worst children, but I don’t know about that. Sarah really took pride in her role as an usher at Union. After Union service was over, she would often attend several other churches, and when Union didn’t have service, she would attend many other churches. She would never miss a conference that was held annually at the R.Z.U.A. Headquarters, because she knew she would meet with countless cousins, which many of them were pastors.

Sarah met her love, James “Bay” Patillo, Sr. and they were married on July 24, 1965 in Mecklenburg County, VA and to this union, one girl and one boy were born. She was the matriarch of her family and there are no words that can express the position she held within our hearts. There were countless life lessons taught to Sarah by her parents. Often with life lessons in general, they’ve learned in retrospect, long after we need them. The good news is that her family and friends can benefit from her experiences and lessons learned. Sarah was educated in the Lunenburg County Schools and she had to walk miles daily to catch the bus. She balanced working on the farm, picking cotton, and working in tobacco. She learned years ago that “you can’t do anything without God,” “don’t play with the bible,” “respect will take you farther than money,” and “everybody needs enjoyment.” Those lessons will remain with her forever.

Sarah unconditionally loved those around her, and she loved to live and laugh. She was the type of person who never met a stranger and could talk the horns off a Billy Goat. She always loved to visit her family, friends, church members, and the sick and shut-in, and go on Atlantic City trips. She always thought that she was loved by everyone and after visiting people, she would say “they sure do love me” or “they think something of me.” She also loved visiting Virginia Beach, which was one of her favorite places and where she took her first boat ride in 2022. Sarah also had a love for fixing hair “old school style” with a straighten comb and curlers that she would put on the stove to get hot. She would fix hair for family and friends, free of charge, and sometimes she would accept a few dollars, but would give most of it back. She also had a talent as a seamstress and would make clothes and perform alterations for people. Kenbridge Sports Wear, LaCrosse Sports Wear, Soul City, Jon Bill, Virginia Quilting, Sleet Sports Wear, Dixie Dress and Brodnax Millls were some of the places where she exhibited her seamstress skills. She loved to cook, and family and friends would often ask her to prepare blackberry rolls, grated sweet potato pudding, rice pudding, corn pudding, banana pudding, and pasta salads. After she finished preparing those foods, she would say, “I mean I put a hurting on it.” She often visited her family and friends, and the sick and shut-ins. More than anything, she enjoyed helping people and she would clean houses and sit with people and charge almost nothing. When people offered or gave her things, she would never say “no.” She appreciated everything no matter the condition and if you have ever given her anything, she still has it.

Sarah leaves to celebrate her memories, the light of her life- two devoted children: Dr. Vanessa Patillo-Bumpass and her faithful son-in-law, Bryant, South Hill, VA; and James Tyler “Junnie Buck” Patillo, Jr., of the home and his faithful wife, Tenia Gray of Virginia Beach, VA; one loyal grandson she reared, Romel Clary, Sr., South Hill, VA; three great-grandchildren-Romel “RJ” Clary, Jr., Victoria, VA; Aubrey an Aspen Clary, both of Lawrenceville, VA; one devoted sister-in-law, Gloria Williams, Dundas, VA; one loving aunt- Deaconess Lottie Morgan, Dundas, VA; one dedicated special friend- Sherman Price, Castonsville, MD; one supportive oldest cousins- Louise Jackson, Petersburg, VA; one caring nephew- Darryl Williams, Phildelphia, PA; five bonus sons- Charles Patillo, South Hill, VA., Ray Harrison, Jackie Patillo, Robert “Be-Bo” Patillo, all of LaCrosse, VA; and Hector Lopez (Stephanie) Christiansburg, VA; one kind bonus niece-Samantha “Sam” Patillo, LaCrosse, VA; one kind bonus nephew, William “Spencer” Walker, Jr., of LaCrosse, VA; eight devoted first cousins she treasured and grew up like siblings-James “Sondus” Stigall (Rosetta) Blackstone, VA; Lula Mae Pegram, Dundas, VA; Shirley Creedle, Petersburg, VA; Cora “Brannie Gail” Johnson, Pikesville, MD; Leslie Stigall, Brodnax, VA; Gloria Stigall, Prince George, VA; Shirley Evans, South Hill, VA; and Mary “Bud” Hawthorne, District Heights, MD; one devoted Deacon- Sargent and his devoted wife, Deaconess Jo Ann Christian, Alberta, VA; six lifelong best friends- Lucy B. Carter, Chase City, VA; Alice Robinson, Bracey, VA; Roselle “Duck” Tisdale, Richmond, VA; Celeste Pearson and Lena Shaw of Bracey, VA; Dorothy Mae Gaines, LaCrosse, VA; Seven extended family/friends- Wilnette Carter, Chase City, VA; Diana Whitfield and Amanda Weaver, both of LaCrosse, VA; Darlene Royster, Oxford, NC; Larry Bumpass, Creedmoor, NC; Audrey Gray, Norfolk, VA; Ola B. Green (Cleveland), Alberta, VA; one extraordinary caregiver, Celithia Coleman, Brodnax, VA; an extraordinary hairdresser, Marjorie (Dick) Crayton, Brodnax, VA; a devoted neighbor, Patricia (Ervin) Moore, LaCrosse, VA; Union RZUA Church Family; Faith Church Without Walls Family; Pleasant Hill RZUA Church Family and a host of other relatives and friends. Life will never be the same without Sarah here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories.

Guest Book

My deepest sympathy for Vanessa and Junnie Buck we are so sorry for your great loss Mrs Sara was a sweet beautiful soul to be around an we thank God for the opportunity to have met her in this life she will always be in our memory we will continue to keep your family lifted up in prayer. Toredia Collins and family

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To Nessa and Buck an family we are so saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Sara she was a great woman an neighbor an coworker to be around she most certainly will be missed an we cherish every moment an memory we had with her we will keep your family lifted up in prayer

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May God Bless and Heaven smile upon you all. Vanessa, Bryant, Buck, & Tenia

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Vanessa, Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Carralton and Ryan Johnson

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I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Rene Jarman

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Dr. Bumpass I am so sorry to hear your Mother passed. If there is anything I can do PLEASE let me know. Love to all!!

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My prayers and condolences are with you and your family!!!

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My heart goes out to you and the family for the loss of your dear mother Mrs Sarah Patillo. I pray your happy memories will help through this difficult time. -Sandra Hardy and Family

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Forgot to add my name to latest memory Shirl Russell Jefferson

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Vanessa and Junie Buck, our paths crossed we were kids. We would have the best of times when you all would come over. Your mom was such a sweet soft spoken lady. I know that life won't be the same without her because I have been in your shoes. Cherish your beautiful memories to get you through the dark days ahead. Remember, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. My family and I extend our deepest condolences to you your entire family.

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Prayers and condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. Sarah was a kind and loving person. I met her through my job at the VEC office. Rest in heaven Sarah. Elnora Harris Walker

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Sarah was a beautiful soul inside and out, oh how we laugh the days we spent at Kenbridge Sportswear. We all Loved her. Rest in peace Sarah. Prayers are with her family at this time. Alonzo & Marilyn Walker

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Sending sincere condolences and prayers to the family.

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My deepest, most heartfelt condolences are with the entire family of Sarah. I will miss my dear sweet friend. Alice Robinson

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Vanessa, James and Family, Our hearts are so saddened by the passing of your Sweet Mom. Some of our fondest memories are the wonderful time we share with Mrs. Sarah. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, Audrey T Macklin and Family the joy they brought to us.

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My deepest sympathy go out to Vanessa and Junie Buck you are in my thoughts and prayers Ms Sarah was the sweetest soul and she would make you laugh and it was true she had a gift for gab or in other words talk the horns off a Billy Goat

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I am praying for the family. Dr. Bumpass I know you will miss your mom. Continue to keep those beautiful memories alive and you two will never be apart!

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Rest in Peace to a beautiful soul. I'm praying the family finds strength and comfort during this difficult time. You will surely be missed by so many! -Jameara Valentine

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Feggins Funeral Home | South Hill, VA