Lady Pat Sherman

Lady Pat Sherman of Johnson City, TN and Baton Rouge, LA passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 84 on Thursday, June 15, 2023. She was born April 19, 1939, to Ivan and Ethel Elouise Patterson of Jennings, LA. Lady Pat spent most of her life in Baton Rouge, before “retiring” to Johnson City in early 2022, to spend time with her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Robert Thomas.

With a name like Lady Pat, she was destined to be unique and memorable. Her smile and radiance would light up a room upon entering while her charm and personality would attract everyone within earshot. Lady Pat rarely met a stranger and almost always left people with a smile on their face and a glow in their soul. She was a masterful storyteller who never lacked content or an audience. She enjoyed the finer things in life, yet always displayed an unwavering sense of humility and appreciation of others.  Whether playing Rummikub with her close friends, finger-painting with her grandchildren or traveling the world with her husband, life was never dull with Lady Pat on your side.

Lady Pat graduated from Baton Rouge High in 1956. She then attended LSU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education. It was at LSU in the late 1950’s, where she met the love of her life – I.J. Sherman. I.J. and Lady Pat were married for 58 years before I.J. died in October of 2018.

Lady Pat worked as a schoolteacher in Metairie for several years following graduation, while I.J. completed medical school.  In 1971, they moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge with their four children.

She was involved in a number of charities, non-profit organizations and clubs including Baton Rouge Medical Auxiliary, Baton Rouge Junior League, Tri Delta Alumni, Ball Societé, La Tertulia, the 1956 “LaLas” Baton Rouge High Alumni group, and her beloved “birthday group”.

Lady Pat is preceded in death by her husband I.J., her grandson, David Joseph Thomas, and both of her parents. She is survived by her sons, Scott Sherman and wife Lisa Wiley Sherman of Baton Rouge, Michael Sherman and wife Lisa Waguespack Sherman of Boulder, Colorado, Bill Sherman of Baton Rouge and daughter Beth Sherman Thomas and husband Robert Thomas of Johnson City, Tennessee.  She was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Lauren Sherman Goodrich and husband Josh Goodrich, Megan Thomas Neighbor and husband Andrew Neighbor, Morgan Thomas, Patrick Tash and wife Victoria Tash, Jack “Taylor” Sherman, William Sherman, Jr., Sam Sherman, David Thomas, Steven Sherman, and Lucie Sherman and two great-grandchildren Ryleigh and Isaac Goodrich, as well as Beau Neighbor on the way. Lady Pat is also survived by her loving sister, Debbie Gayle Patterson, and countless friends.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of the Tennessee Cancer Specialists of Johnson City, especially Nurse Practitioner Abbie Harris.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

The family invites friends and extended family to a Mass celebrating Lady Pat’s life at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023, at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Drive in Baton Rouge. The Visitation at the church will begin at 9:30 a.m.  A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held at Resthaven Gardens of Memory following the funeral. The Sherman and Thomas families invite all who shared their journey with Lady Pat to attend a “Celebration of Life” beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Drusilla Seafood Banquet Hall, 3482 Drusilla Lane, Suite D in Baton Rouge.