Janice Lynn Patton

Janice Lynn Roper Patton was born at home in Norton, Texas, on June 7, 1939, to Cecil H. and Nina Mackey Roper. She was the granddaughter of Runnels County pioneers John and Carrie Mackey and Fletcher and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Roper.

She graduated as Salutatorian from Norton High School in 1957, and a year later, on April 6, 1958, she married Bobby G. Patton of Ballinger. They shared 61 loving years together until his death on February 12, 2020. During their marriage, Janice worked at First National Bank for 33 years and then at Ballinger Elementary School as a substitute teacher. Her main role, however, was making a home for her husband and children. She attended all her children's school parties and school events (If you were a part of those, you might remember the "Kindergarten Punch"). She was a wonderful cook and loved feeding people in their home. Anyone who came to their home felt loved and welcomed as one of the family.

Janice accepted Jesus as her Savior at the young age of 9 and was baptized at Norton Baptist Church. After marriage, she and Bobby were lifelong members of First Baptist Church Ballinger, where she taught 5-year-olds for many years and later taught the women's Ruth Sunday School Class for 22 years.

She loved her Lord and Savior, her husband, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all her heart, and devoted her life to the Lord's service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Norman W. Roper, and her husband Bobby. Surviving her are: her children, Beth and Ken Manley, Paul and Jennifer Patton, her grandchildren, Garret Heard, Sara Heard, Trey Heard, Kaden Manley, Reece Manley, Destiny Manley, and Brittany Buchanan. She is also survived by many wonderful great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the caregivers who devoted their lives to loving and caring for our mom the last three years. Thank you to: Joelda Cuellar, Diana Galvan, Belinda Mata, Liz Perez, Henrietta Luera, Judy Dunn, Koda Cuellar, Liz Pinon, Suzie Britton, Donna Plumley, Roxann Plumley, Monica Castillo, Rosa Galindo, Frances Gonzales, and Hospice of San Angelo. Words cannot express how grateful we are to all of you for your dedication and service and for treating Mom as your own family.

A visitation for Janice will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the Family Life Center at the First Baptist Church of Ballinger. Her service will follow immediately after in the sanctuary at 2:00 pm with Marty Akins officiating. Interment will follow at Norton Cemetery, in Norton, Texas.