Lois G. Patton

Lois G. Patton, 81, died peacefully on July 16, 2026, after a brief illness.

She is survived by Jeffner Allen, her life partner; sister Barbara G. Smith and her family; brother Donald Grinstead and his family; cousin Nonie G. Branciforte and her family; friend of many years, Kim Bosley; countless friends who shared her love for music, nature, and meditation; and her beloved cats Daisy and Banchee. She was predeceased by her mother, Evelyn Gebhart, and her father, Carter Grinstead.

Lois had a long, esteemed career in scholarly publishing: at the University of Illinois Press, Teachers College Press, SUNY Press, and Temple University Press. She published hundreds, if not thousands, of academic books. Patient, funny, and firm when needed, Lois is recognized for her calm, steady presence and her openness to new ideas which she stewarded to reality. She was a wonderful mentor.

A graduate of Maryville College, BA, Indiana University Bloomington, MS, Union Seminary, and Teachers College, Columbia University, EdD, each summer Lois eagerly awaited the bluebirds who nested in her garden in Newfield, NY. She delighted in everyday beauty, in beaches and the sounds of streams and oceans, and in conversations with friends on her front porch while watching clouds drift across the sky.

Please consider a memorial donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center or the Arbor Day Foundation. A Celebration of Life will take place for Lois on her birthday.