Verlene A. Patton

Verlene Patton Obituary On August 22, 1938, Verlene Austin was born to the union of John and Armiller (Johnson) Austin in Monroe Michigan. She was seventh of ten children. Verlene passed away on August 29, 2022. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1957, and shortly after graduation she moved to Cleveland Ohio. Even though her formal education was limited to a high school diploma, her advanced education was created through her vast life experiences. Verlene began her employment with the United States Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Collection Division in 1958. She held a number of increasingly responsible positions which included Tax Examiner, Teller, Teller Unit Manager; Revenue officer; and she retired as a Revenue Officer Advisor in 1997. Verlene was a team player she willingly shared her knowledge with co-workers and subordinates – whether they wanted it or not. She was present when the IRS implemented automation and quickly became an expert at interpreting codes for the Integrated Data Retrieval System. She was frequently called upon to use her talent, even in retirement! Verlene retired after 38 years with the IRS and received the Albert Gallatin Award. The award is the highest Treasury Department career service honor for employees with a record that reflects fidelity to duty. Verlene married Frank Patton Jr. from Cleveland Ohio on October 14, 1967. The ceremony was held in Monroe, Michigan. Sadly, Frank preceded her in death in 1979. Before and after retirement Verlene loved to travel – she worked hard and played even harder. She travelled to Alaska – Argentina – Australia – China—Egypt—Greece—Hawaii - Italy- Jordan – Mexico- Paris–- Peru – Singapore – Spain—South Africa– Turkey – and other places around the world not listed. Verlene loved music from Classical to Country as well as blues, soul and other genres. Her favorite singer was Kenny Rogers – singing anything! She also loved listening to Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. Verlene’s kind and thoughtful personality attracted people regardless of their occupation or social status. Verlene was truly one of a kind. Verlene earned frequent shopper miles; loved traveling to the various Casinos in and out of the State of Ohio; she was also an avid bridge and bid whist player; a bowler; 10K runner; and a volunteer at the Warrensville Heights Civic and Senior Center. Verlene was preceded in death by her parents, John and Armiller (Johnson) Austin; her husband, Frank Patton Jr.; six brothers, Ernest, Thomas, Clyde, Clarence, Otis and Odell Austin; two sisters – Odelia (Austin) Davis and Peacola (Austin) Miller. Her life is celebrated by her sister, Barbara (Austin) Hudson, of Monroe, Michigan; a special friend Annie (Charles) Sifford; Goddaughter, Julia Sifford and Godson, Gregory Poindexter of Shaker Heights, Ohio., as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Verlene A. Patton, please visit our floral store. Read More

Verlene A. Patton

August 22, 1938 - August 28, 2022