Sherry Avon (Ferguson) Patterson

Sherry Patterson, 87, of Canton, passed away peacefully at her home on March 15, 2026.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Sherry was the beloved daughter of Harvey and Flossie Ferguson. She spent her early years in Colorado before moving to Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 17. It was there that she met the love of her life, Tom Patterson. The two shared 57 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and devotion.
Sherry was a dedicated wife, mother, and educator. Together, she and Tom raised four children: Beverly Patterson Irby of Morton, Shawn Patterson Scott of Edwards, Vanessa Patterson Jones of Canton, and Michael Patterson (Tisha) of Canton.

She had a deep passion for education and a special gift for nurturing young minds. Sherry was known as one of the most devoted two-year-old kindergarten teachers at First Presbyterian Kindergarten in Canton. She poured her heart into her work, helping countless children take their first steps in learning, while always making time for her family in the evenings.
Sherry’s legacy continues through her loving family. She is survived by her 11 grandchildren: Amanda Thornton (Corry) of North Carolina, Sherri White of Lena, Anna Smith of Canton, Caleb Langford (Megan) of Edwards, Nicholas Scott of Edwards, Reagan Irby of Raleigh, Michael Ryan Patterson, Haley Patterson, and Hannah Patterson of Canton. She was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren—Sydni Hockman (Bailey), Colin and Cooper Thornton of North Carolina; April, Madison, and Huston White of Lena; Cody and Taylor Smith of Canton; Riley Collins and Zoey Langford of Edwards; and Brysen and Wrenley Ainsworth of Raleigh—as well as four great-great-grandchildren.

She cherished each member of her family deeply and nurtured every relationship with the same love and care she gave her own children.

Sherry was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom Patterson, and son-in-law Phil Jones.

A visitation will be held at Breeland Funeral Home on Friday, March 20, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM,  with a 1:00 PM chapel service burial will be the Canton Cemetery.

Sherry will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and to the children whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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