Obituary

Lois LaMerle Wilson Patten

November 1, 1926 - August 21, 2025

Lois LaMerle Wilson Patten, called Merle by her Wilson family and Gaga by almost everyone else, went home to Jesus on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at The Grove in Columbia, MS, where she had resided since June of 2021.  In her 98 years, Gaga was widely known for being a gourmet chef, professional seamstress and hostess extraordinaire but most importantly as the best wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend that anyone could want. 

She was born on November 1, 1926, in Bogalusa, LA, the sixth of seven children born to C.W. and Maggie Wilson.  Like most large Depression Era families, the Wilsons didn’t have a lot of material wealth but were they rich with love and devotion to each other.  That connection stayed strong throughout their lives and extended to the lives of the generations to come. Although Gaga was the last of the Wilson children to pass away, there are scores of their kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that remain close to this day. 

Following graduation from Bogalusa High School, Gaga worked at the box factory which was part of the large Crown Zellerbach paper facility in Bogalusa.  After World War II ended, she met and married the love of her life, Hershel Vaughn Patten, affectionately called Paw Paw,  who was also from Bogalusa.  In the fifty-one years they were married before Paw Paw died in 1998, they had a rich, joy-filled life. Carrying on the Wilson tradition which was also extended to their extended Patten family, their kids, grandkids, grandchildren and great grandchildren remain close to this day. 

Gaga and Paw Paw were active members of Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial Methodist Church in Bogalusa their whole lives. Paw Paw was active in the choir and held many leadership positions over the years. Gaga was VERY active in almost every aspect of the United Methodist Women up until she moved to The Grove in 2021.  They were also avid bridge players.  When asked how often she played bridge, Gaga would always respond,” Every chance I get.” 

Gaga is survived by daughter Susan (Bowen) Morris of San Antonio, TX; daughter Carol (Ronnie) Mitchell of Angie; and Doug (Joni) Patten of Albany, GA, along with 8 grandchildren and lots of great-grandchildren.   

At Gaga’s request, the immediate family will have a private service to say goodbye.  At the family’s request, any memorial donations could be made to your local church, food bank or hospice. 

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.