The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
On Friday, October 27, 1944 in North Carolina, Laura Jean Patton was born to the late Grace Ramsey and the late Thomas E. Buffaloe, Sr. Laura was received as a daughter and raised by her late Uncle Robert Bruce and Aunt Pocahontas (Buffaloe) Cloyd as a young child in Norfolk, VA.
At a young age, Laura by the confession of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, received baptism by water and became a member of the Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA under the pastoral of Rev. Dr. John R. Gray, Rev. Raymond Dean and Dr. Shelton Murphy. Laura was a faithful servant and a chartered member of the John R. Gray Missionary Ministry and the Tribe of Zebulun (Prayer Warriors). For many years, Laura served as leader for the Hospitality Committee and the Kitchen Committee. Laura faithfully attended her church and was always ready to assist within whatever capacity she could until her declining health. Her last attendance at Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church was on Sunday, October 27th, 2024. On this day during the worship service, she celebrated her 80th birthday with her family, church family, and many friends. After the service, the celebration of love continued with a birthday dinner. She found great joy fellowshipping during that day with the most beautiful smile.
In the community ministries of God, she served the membership with the Love and Outreach Ministries, and she volunteered with the Onsite Feeding Ministry, Sons Touch Community Service and the Chesapeake Garden Civil Lead. Laura believed in the power of prayer and would often say, “Come on Let’s pray about it” in reflection to Philippians 4:6, “Be careful of nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Laura was passionate about preparing meals for those in need, and she delivered them with a kind spirit. She shared her blessings to help anyone as she traveled in this life journey. Through her untiring efforts, Laura would give God the glory as she lived her life not in vain.
Laura was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1963, and would often attend the class reunions and maintained communication with her classmates throughout the years. Laura was employed with The Saint Mary Children Hospital and worked for The King’s Daughter Children’s Hospital for over 22 years.
Laura had compassion and love for her children, siblings and other family members. She enjoyed the times they fellowshipped together on various occasions such as cookouts, dinners and other activities. Laura possessed a special love for her grandchildren and made her home their home for them to come as they wished with a spiritual and warm welcome. Laura often spoke high praises for their accomplishments and gave honest and sincere advice for their growth spiritually and physically. She also shared inspiration when she needed to give encouragement when anyone was in doubt to press forward.
Laura enjoyed the sounds of the old-time gospel songs being sung and the Word preached and would often show her appreciation with the waving of her hands, patting of her feet and often standing to witness to the power of God moving in her and other lives. Her testimony was reflected in Psalm 9:1 “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.”
On the morning of Thursday, January 30, 2025, the angel appeared to her heart and whispered from Matthew 25:21 “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Laura entered into eternal rest and received her heavenly reward at her residence at 849 Workwood Road, Norfolk, VA surrounded by her family.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Clara Darden, Thomas E. Buffaloe, Jr. and Sharon K. Buffaloe Harris.
Those that remain to honor, remember and cherish her loving and sweet memories are her husband, Manly “Buddy” Patton of Norfolk, VA; her children: Bruce “Ray” (Susan) Cloyd of Baltimore, MD., Yasmin “Chrissy” (Stacey) Nixon of Chesapeake, VA and Manly “Junie” Patton of Norfolk, VA; her bonus daughter, Tracy Davis of Newport News, VA, siblings: Essie (Philip) Edwards of Virginia Beach, VA, Mazie (Alvin) Blount of Petersburg, VA, Cecil “Demetrius” Bernard of Petersburg, VA, Jewel (William) Sykes of Springfield, MA, Ernest (Diana) Buffaloe of Springfield, MA, Calvin Buffaloe (Linda) of Gumberry, NC, Calvett (Calvin) Boone of Gumberry, NC and Elton (Carolyn) Buffaloe of Henderson, NC; her mother at heart, Susie C. Buffaloe of Gumberry, NC, her grandchildren: C’esa (Quinton), Alea, Anya, Jamya, Bria, Amari (Miya), Cameron, Jacob, Mike (Dreadette), Nevaeh, Brandon, Angelique, Bryson, Niare’, Trinity and De’Quan; her Great Grandchildren: Elijah, Amiya, Nylah, Carter, Juliana, Amir, Caris, Quincey, Arya, Breeze and Cairo; her Godsons, King and Vincent. An additional sister-in-law: Marion Buffaloe of Gumberry, NC; brothers-in-law: Millard Darden of Seaboard, NC and Donald Harris of Rocky Mount, NC; her loyal sisters in Christ: Sister Louise Miller, Sister Phyllis Gray, and Pastor Veronica Thomas, all of Norfolk, VA. Laura possessed a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23
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Rev. Linwood F. Clark says
February 3, 2025 at 2:37 pmSo sorry to hear about my cous passing and I pray that you look to God for your strength and guidance
Gloria J. Reynolds , says
February 4, 2025 at 4:40 amOur deepest condolences to the family of Laura Jean Patton. Our prayers are with you for strength and comfort. She will be missed and forever in our hearts.
The Reynolds Family
Gloria , Angela, Andre’, Samaka, Tandra
Richard and Charmaine Grant says
February 5, 2025 at 10:17 pmOur heartfelt sympathy to the family, praying that God will comfort and keep you during this time
Rev Calvin D. Brown Jr says
February 4, 2025 at 8:31 amJackie and I send our sincere condolences to the family.
Mrs. Ann McPherson Pope says
February 5, 2025 at 6:13 pmRest in peace, my classmate of Booker T. Washington, class of 63. I will miss your smiling face and I will remember what a good friend you were to everyone you met.
Mrs. Ann McPherson Pope says
February 5, 2025 at 6:18 pmRest in Peace, my friend, and my condolences to your family. You were a person who stood up for the rights of people, no matter who or what their lot in life.
Jerry A Jefferson says
February 9, 2025 at 8:29 amMy Condolences to the family and friends
Angela Stiff says
February 5, 2025 at 6:48 pmMy deepest condolences to your family. You were my moms best friend and you were there for her during her time of need I want to thank you for all you have done for my family. you will be greatly missed.
Ray & Susan Cloyd says
February 7, 2025 at 2:28 pmOur deepest sympathy to our family in the loss of our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great – grandmother. Ray and I want to tell you all to look to God for your strength, comfort and peace. He will guide us through this time of grief if we only let him. God’s blessings to all of us.
Ronita Thornton says
February 7, 2025 at 11:23 pmMy sincere condolences to the family. My prayer for your strength and peace.
Ms. Laura will truly be missed
Her love lives on in our hearts 💕
Vondra Selden says
February 9, 2025 at 6:51 pmJob Well Done!
Laura will be missed but never forgotten.
Thoughts and prayers are with Laura’s family and loved ones.
Mildred France says
February 10, 2025 at 6:27 pmTo Angelique and Bryson
My our deepest sympathy.
Love and prayers to you both during the loss of your grandmother.
Pastor Carlton Redd
Rock Hill Baptist Church
Bassett, VA
Mildred France says
February 10, 2025 at 6:28 pmTo Angelique & Bryson
My our deepest sympathy.
Love and prayers to you both during the loss of your grandmother.
Pastor Carlton Redd
Rock Hill Baptist Church
Bassett, VA
Nicole says
February 10, 2025 at 6:30 pmAngelique & Bryson
Love & Prayers for you both and family at the loss of your grandmother.
The Watkins Family
Jonte, Cole, Verity, Kara, & Jhaquin
Rev. Vernice Bradley, Elizabeth City, NC says
February 10, 2025 at 10:48 pmMs. Laura was a great woman of God and played a vital role in my children’s life especially my oldest Danielle. Praying for her family and church family.
Pastor Yvette Reese says
February 11, 2025 at 8:56 amThe Reese Family and ALLPWR Ministries would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Claud , Buffalo families!
Truly Laura was a Faithful servant to
God’s people. She will truly be missed! Praying for the family during this time!
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