MMHMF Honoree

MRS. MAGNOLIA L. PATRON
2007 Community Service Award

Magnolia L. Patron, the youngest of ten children of the late Porter N. Patron and Mrs. Magnolia Robertson Patron, was born in the Beach Community of Chesterfield County. Her father died when she was a young child. During her tender years, it was her mother who instilled in her the importance of education and/or training, and inspired her to always give of her best in service to God and to mankind. 

With mother’s blessings, Magnolia launched upon her educational journey, which began in a small frame building—Centralia Elementary School and finished in six years; then entered Armstrong High School of Richmond and graduated in three and a half years; and went on to Virginia Union University, where she earned the B.A. Degree (French/English major, Christian Education minor). At age 19, she began her teaching career. She did advanced studies at Howard University, Atlanta University, St. Mary’s of Notre Dame, Loyola of Canada and the University of Virginia, where she received the MEd Degree. She taught English and French at Carver High until the school phased out (1970) and English at John Tyler Community College in the evening for three quarters. After Carver, she continued her educational journey as guidance counselor; first at Matoaca High (3 years) and finally at Thomas Dale High (15 years). In every school she was highly respected by parents, co-workers and students alike. 

Some of Ms. Patron’s community and fraternal affiliations include: life membership NAACP, Retired Education Associations on local and state levels, Order of Eastern Star (Past Matron), National Association of University Women (Richmond-President), National Association of Parliamentarians. 

Encouraged by her grandmother, one of the Founders of First Baptist Church Centralia, Ms. Patron joined the church at a young age and began her Christian service there at age 12. She served as pianist of the Youth Choir, Assistant Church Organist, Youth Advisor, Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and provided leadership and support in numerous church ministries. Her service has been continuous and characterized by efficiency, love and devotion. She attended the Baptist World Alliance in Tokyo, Japan, also Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Other travels include Continental United States and 10 Countries in Western Europe. Following her retirement from Thomas Dale, she became a licensed real estate salesperson and a parliamentarian and held seminars/workshop in high schools and community groups. 

Magnolia L. Patron’s long years of untiring service as teacher/counselor and molder of character will ever be reflected in the lives of those whom she taught and influenced. She presently resides in Patrondale, the planned residential community that she developed.