Mildred Ivory Elrod Patrick

No matter how great the sorrow or loss in your life, there is always room for laughter. That was how Mildred Ivory Elrod Patrick lived her life. Mildred, Granny, and Aunt Millie came into this world in Whitewood, Virginia on February 20, 1928, and the world would never be the same. Granny lived life vivaciously, independently, strong-willed, and full of love. She had lived on this earth for over 50 million minutes, and she definitely made them all count! She drew her last breath here on earth on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Granny was the daughter of the late Lewis Thomas Elrod and Lydia Mae Cole Elrod. Early in life, Mildred and Jennings Patrick met, and in her eleventh grade of school, she eloped with him. Thus, started her life of adventure, she and Jennings spent many years, camping, hunting, fishing, flea marketing, and traveling all over the states to the many bluegrass festivals and being a proud member of Woodmen of the World. When she was at home, she loved to sew or shop for clothes and shoes. Granny had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. In her way, she was a private person but was very witty and fun-loving. She was fearless, independent, sensitive, and full of compassion and love. Of course, two of her most defining traits were her stubbornness and being strong-willed. It was a combination of all these strengths that helped her in life to deal with any challenge that came her way. Granny was small and delicate, but she could never be compared to a candle in the wind, she was more like a raging forest fire in a windstorm! She spoke softly, but her words were loud and clear and, in her words, and life, she taught each of us the meaning of life, to live, to love, to laugh, to cry, to take care of each other, to always put family first and to always live each day as if it were your last. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Jennings Patrick, her sisters, Naomi “Top” Horn, and Lucille Honaker, son-in-law, Bobby Ray Horn and grandchild, Susan Horn. Those who carry on her spirit are her: Daughter, Joyce “Sue” Horn of Whitewood, VA Grandchildren: Teresa Mounts and her husband, David of Whitewood, VA Brad Thomas Horn of Abingdon, VA Granddaughter of the heart, Regina Horn Hall, and her husband, Larry of Swords Creek, VA Great-grandchildren: Cassie Compton and her husband, Shane of Bristol, VA Carry Gilbert and husband, Jason of Jewell Ridge, VA Anthony Mounts and his wife, Amie of Garden Creek, VA Great-great-grandchildren, Abigail, Jessica, D.J., Wyatt, Chianna, Brooklyn, Aspen, and Roan. Special niece and nephew, Marty and Monia also survive along with a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family of Granny Mildred Patrick invites everyone to her funeral at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with the Rev. Troy Lester officiating. Interment will follow at the Brown Family Cemetery located on Brown Mountain near Jewell Ridge, Virginia. Pallbearers will be: Brad Horn, Jackie Horn, David Mounts, Anthony Mounts, Shane Compton, Jason Gilbert, and Larry Hall. Friends may visit with the family on Friday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands oversees arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Mildred Ivory Elrod Patrick

February 20, 1928 - June 12, 2024