Wilda Lee Gentry Patton

A Celebration of Life will be held for Wilda Lee Gentry Patton at First United Methodist Church located at 404 Azalea Street, Lake Jackson, Texas on Saturday, November 29, at 2 p.m. A reception in Wesley Hall will follow the service.

Wilda was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, teacher, volunteer and child of God. She was born to Velma Whigham Gentry and Jack Cook Gentry on November 30, 1943, in Killeen, Texas and went to be with the Lord on October 20, 2025, in Lake Jackson, Texas.

She grew up in Killeen with her parents and her sister, Mary Florence, and enjoyed having extended family members nearby. She spent her young years in the nurture of family, friends and the First United Methodist Church in Killeen. She graduated from Killeen High School in 1961 and continued her studies at the University of Texas (Austin) where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics in 1965.

Wilda followed the family tradition of educating others as modeled by her mother and sister. Her teaching career began in 1965 in the Spring Branch Independent School District, Houston, and while there she met Robert (Bob) Patton. When they married on January 6, 1968, she joined him in Freeport, Texas, where she taught mathematics in Brazosport Independent School District.

They soon moved to Jones Creek which became home to son, Benjamin, and daughter, Amity. During those years, the family was active in St. Thomas United Methodist Church. As the children became old enough to attend school, the family moved to Lake Jackson and Wilda continued her teaching career at Brazosport Christian School.

Having family time and meals together was always a priority. Wilda received a sourdough bread starter from a dear friend and began making bread many years ago. She would make three loaves at a time and share with family and friends. Her sourdough loaves became lovingly known as ''Wildie bread'' to the family. Along with baking, she also enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking and traveling.

In addition to caring for the home and family, Wilda was an avid volunteer. Over the years, she spent many hours with Friends of the Lake Jackson Library, the Little Theatre (on the Old River in Freeport), Freeport First National Bank Women's Board, Junior Service League of Brazosport, Parent Teacher Organization of Elisabet Ney Elementary School, Country Village Health Care and First United Methodist Church, Lake Jackson. It was her pleasure and joy to give time and energy to others as long as she was able to do so.

Wilda participated in Bible Study Fellowship, The Cradle of Texas Emmaus Community and Chapter DA of PEO, Philanthropic Educational Organization for Women, where she developed many friends in Christ.

In their empty nest days, Wilda and her husband Bob, along with a business partner, developed the company Magalum LLC for the manufacture and distribution of veterinarian antiseptic ointment. During that same time, she had an opportunity to crown her teaching career at Foundation Preparatory Academy. She loved her time there, had always loved her subject matter and even more, she loved her co-workers and students.

Wilda was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mary Florence Platt; and nephew, Andrew Ammann.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, of fifty-seven years; her son, Benjamin Lloyd Patton; her daughter and spouse, Amity Patton Marsh and John Marsh; grandson, Caleb Anthony Marsh; nieces, Christin Cameron, Jackie Platt and Melissa Dale; nephew, Christopher Ammann, and many great-nieces and nephews.