Mary Joyce (Patterson) Sligh

Mary Joyce Patterson - Sligh was born on September 3rd, 1940 in Kellyton, Alabama to the parents of Rose Bud Darby Patterson and Earnest Patterson.  At an early age, she confessed  and gave her life to Christ and joined Phillipi Baptist Church in Kellyton, Alabama. 

Mary Joyce was educated in the Coosa County School System and graduated from J.D. Thompson High School with the class of 1958.  She moved briefly to Cleveland, Ohio, then to New York City, New York. 

Along Mary’s life’s journey she met and united in Holy Matrimony to the late Bennie Tal Sligh on August 28th, 1965. To this union one son was born.

Mary Joyce began her work career with New York City Department of Social Service as an Human Resources Administration.  During this time, she worked under the administration of three Mayors of New York City, Kock, Dinkins, and Giuliani.  After 33 years of employment, Mary Joyce retired and later relocated back to Sylacauga, Alabama, November of 2020.

Mary Joyce transitioned this walk of life on January 18th, 2023 under the care of the Palliative and Comfort Care Unit at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, Alabama.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Rose Bud Darby Patterson, and Earnest Patterson, Sister, Catherine (Billy Joe) Pope, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her sweet and precious memories a loving devoted son, Parrish Sligh of Brooklyn, NY; nephew, Billy Joe (Katrina) Pope, Jr.; nieces, Vivian Pope, Felicia Pope, Cynthia (Edward) Ford, Sonji (LC) Pope-Swain, and Minah Pope, all of Sylacauga, AL; two sister in laws, Betty Sligh and Janice (Sligh) Senn both of Winston—Salem, NC; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relative, special friends in New York City, NY, and friends. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Joyce (Patterson) Sligh, please visit our floral store.