Virginia Hanisee Patton

Virginia “Ginny” Hanisee Patton passed from this life on May 26, 2023, at her home with her family as they streamed in and out, praying at her bedside. She finished the race and is now celebrating in the Glory of God with all the loved ones who have gone to heaven before her.

Ginny was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on June 1, 1949, to Maj. Herbert and Irene Hanisee, the fourth of 11 children. As an Air Force family, they moved from assignment to assignment and finally ended up in Bossier City, Louisiana. Ginny graduated from Bossier High School in the class of 1967. It was there where she knew, but was not quite sold on her eventual husband of 52 years, William Gary Patton, Sr. Yes, it did turn out to be a true love story (most of the time). They began their family in Bossier City and had two sons, Gary Jr., and Robby. She dearly loved them both and like a mama bear would fight anyone who tried to do wrong by them. Even as much as she loved her boys, it was her grandchildren, Wyatt, Jathon, Alayna, Adriana, Trey, and Taylor, who would become her specialty.  She adored them, loved to spoil them, and gave them all the things their parents said they couldn’t have. Despite that, she maintained a loving relationship with her daughters-in-law, Lisa and beloved Betty, who passed last July.

Ginny was a devout Catholic from cradle to grave. She was blessed with an absolutely beautiful faith and love of the Lord that she tried to live up to daily. She was friendly, generous, and kind. She would give you money, food anytime you wanted (or she thought you needed it), a 2:00 a.m. ride home without question, or anything else that was needed, all without hesitation. If you showed up at her house, she was going to feed you. If you were one of those fortunate people, you probably had her spaghetti or Sunday roast; both were legendary. If you could not make it over to eat, no problem! She would bring it to you with a huge smile.

She worked in multiple fields and made friends all along the way. She enjoyed all of it. However, she was very upset at the recent closure of Chimi V’s. She worked there back when it was El Chicos in the early 1970’s and was probably their most loyal and frequent patron ever since.

Ginny was one of a kind. She hated watching sports (except for kids and grandkids games, or so she said). Once she had to coach her sons’ basketball game when the coach, Gary Sr., was away. The team was 0-for the hills, and she bribed them with a pizza party if they could just win that one game. They didn’t, but that’s the one they came closest to winning.

She drove like a bat out of hell and would occasionally (always) scare you. But her family prayed, closed their eyes, and it all worked out. She loved to dance, play cards, roll Yahtzees, watch Survivor, occasionally (always) enjoyed a “quick” trip to the casino to “cash a coupon they sent”, and she loved Elvis.

There is too much to say and too many stories to tell, but to steal a line from Tina Turner (R.I.P.) she was “simply the best”.

Ginny joined her parents; brother, Henry; sister, Paula; and daughter-in-law, Betty, in heaven. Also, Gramma Dee Dee, who she loved dearly and still talked about all the time. She is survived by her husband, Gary Sr., sons, Gary Jr., and Robby; her six grandchildren; Wyatt (Sara), Jathon (Kaitlyn), Alayna, Adriana, Trey, and Taylor; three brothers, Pat (Brenda), Boogie (Trisha), and Larry; five sisters, Mary (Ken), Theresa (Peter), Clem, Christine (David), and Bobbie Sue (Ray); sister-in-law, Mary;  brother-in-law, Rich; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many dear friends. She loved them all, and they loved her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 7738 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City, Louisiana at 10:30 a.m. A Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. Officiating the service will be Father Karl Daigle.

“Godspeed Dear, Mama, Nana. We love you and miss you already.”