Lula Mae Hefren

Lula Mae "Rickie" Hefren, 86, died peacefully Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Hospice of Chattanooga. She is survived by her husband, James E. Hefren of Hixson; two daughters, Phyllis Patterson James of Signal Mtn., Ginger Patterson Chapman of Dyersburg, Tenn.; and one son, Mark Douglas Patterson of Ringgold, Ga.; and their respective families, which include six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Born in Ringgold on October 6, 1927, Rickie was the daughter of the late Benjamin F. and Minnie Bowling. She grew up on a depression-era farm where hard work and faith were the foundations of their home life. She was a devoted mother, wife, and homemaker who cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will always be remembered lovingly as "Mema." She is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Franklin and Minnie Irene Bowling, of Ringgold; four sisters and five brothers. She was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church where she was a faithful member for over 20 years. Visitation will be today, June 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home North. Services will be held Tuesday, June 17, at 11:30 a.m., at Chattanooga Funeral Home North, with Dr. Fred Steelman officiating. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Chattanooga for their devotion and care. In lieu of flowers, the family ask for memorials be sent to Hospice of Chattanooga, 2626 Walker Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory & Florist, North Chapel, Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.