Laura Jean Patton

God is the keeper of our minds and souls, and even in times of grief and sorrow, His love and strength have the power to restore us. Join us in prayer as we honor and reflect on the life of Mrs. Laura Jean Patton.  At the family's request, this notice has been shared on our website as a courtesy. Local condolences may be submitted through our website.  

On Friday, October 27, 1944 in North Carolina, Laura Jean Patton was born to the late Grace Ramsey and the late Thomas E. Buffaloe, Sr. Laura was received as a daughter and raised by her late Uncle Robert Bruce and Aunt Pocahontas (Buffaloe) Cloyd as a young child in Norfolk, VA. 

At a young age, Laura by the confession of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, received baptism by water and became a member of the Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA under the pastoral of Rev. Dr. John R. Gray, Rev. Raymond Dean and Dr. Shelton Murphy. Laura was a faithful servant and a chartered member of the John R. Gray Missionary Ministry and the Tribe of Zebulun (Prayer Warriors). For many years, Laura served as leader for the Hospitality Committee and the Kitchen Committee. Laura faithfully attended her church and was always ready to assist within whatever capacity she could until her declining health. Her last attendance at Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church was on Sunday, October 27th, 2024. On this day during the worship service, she celebrated her 80th birthday with her family, church family, and many friends. After the service, the celebration of love continued with a birthday dinner. She found great joy fellowshipping during that day with the most beautiful smile.

In the community ministries of God, she served the membership with the Love and Outreach Ministries, and she volunteered with the Onsite Feeding Ministry, Sons Touch Community Service and the Chesapeake Garden Civil Lead.  Laura believed in the power of prayer and would often say, “Come on Let’s pray about it” in reflection to Philippians 4:6, “Be careful of nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Laura was passionate about preparing meals for those in need, and she delivered them with a kind spirit. She shared her blessings to help anyone as she traveled in this life journey. Through her untiring efforts, Laura would give God the glory as she lived her life not in vain.

Laura was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1963, and would often attend the class reunions and maintained communication with her classmates throughout the years. Laura was employed with The Saint Mary Children Hospital and worked for The King’s Daughter Children’s Hospital for over 22 years.

Laura had compassion and love for her children, siblings and other family members. She enjoyed the times they fellowshipped together on various occasions such as cookouts, dinners and other activities. Laura possessed a special love for her grandchildren and made her home their home for them to come as they wished with a spiritual and warm welcome. Laura often spoke high praises for their accomplishments and gave honest and sincere advice for their growth spiritually and physically. She also shared inspiration when she needed to give encouragement when anyone was in doubt to press forward.

Laura enjoyed the sounds of the old-time gospel songs being sung and the Word preached and would often show her appreciation with the waving of her hands, patting of her feet and often standing to witness to the power of God moving in her and other lives. Her testimony was reflected in Psalm 9:1 “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.” 

On the morning of Thursday, January 30, 2025, the angel appeared to her heart and whispered from Matthew 25:21 “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Laura entered into eternal rest and received her heavenly reward at her residence at 849 Workwood Road, Norfolk, VA surrounded by her family.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Clara Darden, Thomas E. Buffaloe, Jr. and Sharon K. Buffaloe Harris.

Those that remain to honor, remember and cherish her loving and sweet memories are her husband, Manly “Buddy” Patton of Norfolk, VA; her children:  Bruce “Ray” (Susan) Cloyd of Baltimore, MD., Yasmin “Chrissy”  (Stacey) Nixon of Chesapeake, VA and Manly “Junie” Patton of Norfolk, VA; her bonus daughter, Tracy Davis of Newport News, VA, siblings: Essie (Philip) Edwards of Virginia Beach, VA, Mazie (Alvin) Blount of Petersburg, VA, Cecil “Demetrius” Bernard of Petersburg, VA, Jewel (William) Sykes of Springfield, MA, Ernest (Diana) Buffaloe of Springfield, MA, Calvin Buffaloe (Linda) of Gumberry, NC, Calvett (Calvin) Boone of Gumberry, NC and Elton (Carolyn) Buffaloe of Henderson, NC; her mother at heart, Susie C. Buffaloe of Gumberry, NC, her grandchildren: C’esa (Quinton), Alea, Anya, Jamya, Bria, Amari  (Miya), Cameron, Jacob, Mike (Dreadette), Nevaeh, Brandon, Angelique, Bryson, Niare’, Trinity and De’Quan; her Great Grandchildren: Elijah, Amiya, Nylah, Carter, Juliana, Amir, Caris, Quincey, Arya, Breeze and Cairo; her Godsons, King and Vincent. An additional sister-in-law: Marion Buffaloe of Gumberry, NC; brothers-in-law: Millard Darden of Seaboard, NC and Donald Harris of Rocky Mount, NC; her loyal sisters in Christ:  Sister Louise Miller, Sister Phyllis Gray, and Pastor Veronica Thomas, all of Norfolk, VA. Laura possessed a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements for Mrs. Laura Jean Patton are as follows:

Viewing:

Monday, February 10, 2025  -  2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Metropolitan Funeral Service

7246 Granby Street Norfolk, Virginia

https://metropolitanfuneralservice.com/memorial/laura-jean-patton/

Celebration of Life:

Tuesday, February 11, 2025  -  11:00 AM

Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church

1057 Kennedy Street  -   Norfolk, Virginia
Pastor Sheldon Murphy,  Officiating

Pastor E. R. Buffaloe, Eulogist

Laid to Rest:

Roosevelt Memorial Park

1101 Campostella Road  -  Chesapeake, Virginia

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