Patricia Ann Rose (1950-2026) of Decatur, Alabama passed away on Monday, 10 August 2026, at Decatur Morgan Hospital, Decatur, Alabama. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Patti graduated from Maury High School where she was active in choir and cheerleading. Her attention to detail, analytical thinking, exceptional typing skills, and magnetic personality, led Patti to work as a personal secretary for the VP of an International Hotel. She was an extra in the 1979 movie, The Death of Ocean View Park, which may be why she loved movies and theater so much. Her passion for dancing led her to become a ballroom dance instructor for the prestigious Fred Astaire Dance Studios; she shared this love with her children by teaching them to dance, and dancing with them at every available opportunity. Patti loved to travel, living for a time in Germany. It was important to her to give her children these same opportunities, so she was always up for a road trip or an excursion abroad. But Patti said life truly began when she met her husband, Buddy.
Patti is preceded in death by her parents (Henry and Lillian) and her brother (Bobby). She is survived by her husband (Buddy), children (Elizabeth, Matthew, and Meredith), grandchildren (Emma, Bennett, Luke, Lucy, Eva, and Jude), great-grandchildren (Henry, Catie Beth), and her sister (Sharon).
Patti’s legacy is in how deeply she loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and in how completely she loved and supported her family. She loved stubbornly and unrelentingly, even when it may not have felt like it. She was faithful in her prayers and found peace in the Word of God- the Bible. Patti was very vocal about how wonderful her husband was to her, and how much she cherished the man that never left her side through sickness and health after 48 years of marriage. She sacrificed herself so that her children were able to both explore and pursue their dreams; she will always be their biggest cheerleader. She was enraptured with her grandchildren, spoiling them with love, laughter, and snacks after school. But her great-grandchildren were the jewels in her crown. She had a radiant smile that filled a room, and, when she wore her “bling bling,” she sparkled both literally and figuratively. Patti never met a stranger but spread laughter and kindness with a smile and kind word. She had so much love to give and did so without asking for anything in return. Patti will be deeply missed, but her memory will remain in the hearts of her family and those who had the privilege to know her.
The family held a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Patti Rose’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
