Louise Patton Murphy, age 88, of Burnsville, passed away on Friday, November 15th, 2024 at Smoky Ridge Health and Rehabilitation. A native of Yancey County, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Evelyn Marsh Patton. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Norma Patton Evans.
Louise was valedictorian of her graduating class at Burnsville High School, and was a graduate of East Tennessee State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. Upon graduation, she taught at East Yancey High School, then became an English teacher in Mitchell County and taught for 44 years before her retirement. Louise was always known as a kind and generous lady who was dedicated to her students, and was proud of the positive impact she had on many students over the years. When she wasn’t teaching, she enjoyed watching classic movies and was a book worm who loved to read.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Vanda Russell, and husband, Robert, of Atlanta, GA, as well as many cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Joe Bennett will officiate. Burial will follow in the Patton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff of Smoky Ridge Health and Rehabilitation for the wonderful care given to Louise. Memorial donations may be made to Smoky Ridge Health and Rehabilitation at 310 Pensacola Road, Burnsville, NC 28714. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
