Bernice Patterson Whitlow

Mergie Bernice Patterson Whitlow, 95, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mrs. Whitlow, the daughter of the late John William “J.W.” and Nettie Alice Roland Baucum, was born April 17, 1924 in Butler County, Mo. She was a long time member of First Baptist Church, and had retired in 1984 after 20 years as a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Mrs. Whitlow loved to dance, play cards and helping other people. The times she treasured most were being with her children and extended family.

She married Robert Virgil Patterson on Jan. 17, 1942 in Corning, Ark. He preceded her in death on Sept. 2, 1969. She later married Garland Whitlow on May 7, 1983 in the Oglesville community near Qulin. He preceded her in death on Aug. 13, 1986.

Left to mourn her passing are four children, Robert William Patterson of Alabama, Garett Wayne Patterson and Marsha Kay Brown (Eddie) of Missouri and Cathy Lynn Redfearn (Chuck) of Arizona; a stepson, Dennis Whitlow (Carla) of Missouri; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, and husbands Mrs. Whitlow was preceded by two brothers, Melvin Baucum and Willie Baucum and two sisters, Velma Dabbs and Margie Whittaker.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. The Rev. Vernon Kneir will officiate. Burial will be at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Mergie Bernice Patterson Whitlow.