Epsie Dowdy Patterson, 95 of Evington, went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2026, at home surrounded by family.  She was a wife of the late Charles Patterson, Sr. 

Born in Farmville on January 23, 1931, she was the daughter of the late James and Nellie Dowdy. One of 15 children, she was preceded in death by sibling, Herman Dowdy, Robert Dowdy, James Dowdy, Juliea Malberg, Lois Duncan, Joan Lewis, Nina O’Brien, Gertrude Moss, Catherine Jabowlski, Loveleen Clark, Myrtle Davenport and one son Richard Patterson. 

She is survived by a sister Bernice Coakley and three children, Chris Patterson (Sue), Cindy LaGuardia (Larry), Sharon Smith (Randy), daughter-in-law Karen Patterson, six grandchildren Cory (Brittany), Rochelle, Missy, Dwayne, Heather (Robie) and Randale (Hannah) and six great grandchildren. 

Epsie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and shared her religious faith with all she encountered. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, at Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory, Waterlick Chapel, 21914 Timberlake Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24502, with the Rev Irwin Reynolds officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome at the funeral home on Friday from 12 noon until the time of service. Burial will be in Virginia Memorial Park. 

Epsie started and was the first teacher of the Timberlake Christian School. 

A special thanks to Amdeisys Hospice and Epsie’s special friend and care giver Mary Brown for the loving care they gave her.