GOLD HILL – Melissa Oxendine Patterson, 39, of Gold Hill, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2006, in Gold Hill as the result of an auto accident.

Born April 7, 1967, in Mecklenburg County, Mrs. Patterson was a daughter of Elsie Guy Oxendine of Gold Hill and the late Fuller Oxendine. Educated in Mecklenburg County schools, she was a painter and interior decorator. Mrs. Patterson was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include her husband, Eric Patterson, whom she married April 30, 2005; son Aaron Joel Torrie of the home; daughters Lacie Denise Misenheimer (Dale) of Salisbury and Sha’na’ya Danielle Sessoms of Gold Hill; brother Fuller Dean Oxendine of Gold Hill; and sisters Shelia Jane Morrisette of Virginia and Shelia O. Whitmire of Sophia.

Services: A Candlelight Memorial Service will be held tonight at 7 at Community Baptist Church in Salisbury with the Rev. Chris O’Guinn officiating. A second service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Lyerly Funeral Home’s James C. Lyerly Chapel with Elder Ed Burkett officiating. Burial will follow the second service at Parker Memorial Baptist Church cemetery in Richfield with the Rev. Chris O’Guinn officiating.

Visitation: 1-2 p.m. Saturday at Lyerly Funeral Home.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to help with funeral expenses to Lyerly Funeral Home, P.O. Box 279, Salisbury, NC 28145.