The Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge announces the death of Darlene Louise Patterson, loving mother and grandmother, age 70, who passed away Monday, January 31, 2011 in the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Ms. Patterson was born in Blue Ridge, GA on March 27, 1940 to the late Charlie Griffin and Effie Conley Griffin. She worked as a calibrator for Robert Shaw and was of the Baptist faith. She was a member of the Golden Club, enjoyed “Thrift Shopping,” and reading her Bible. She was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Griffin, Jr. She is survived by a son, Daniel Patterson of Blue Ridge; daughter, Katrina Cook of Blue Ridge; brothers, Roy Griffin of Panama City, FL and Troy Griffin of Smyrna, GA; sisters, Ollie Temple of Pontiac, MI and Joy Watkins of Ft. Ogelthorpe, GA; and one grandchild, Kaitlyn Cook.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, February 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Larry Williams, Rev. James Worley, and Rev. Fred Williams officiating. Music will be by the Caylor Family and T.C. and Benny Pickelsimer. Pallbearers will be Frank Deal, Darren Griffin, Mark Griffin, Michael Babb, Merlin Babb, and Ronnie Parris. Honorary pallbearers will be Ron Newton, Mike Messer, Johnny Scearce, Ronnie Porter, Donnie Gilliam, Curtis Porter, and Alan Milton. Interment will follow in Sugar Creek Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. and also from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent the funeral home at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements.