In 1882, at the age of twenty‑three, the Reverend John Thomas Patton opened a funeral business in his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. He had no high‑school education, no money, no collateral, no experience — only a dream, a vision, and a good family name.
His brothers — Jasper W., Daniel J., and George W. Patton — joined him. The work travelled by horse‑drawn hearse and walking procession through Williamson County and beyond. In 1921 the family carried the business north, opening on Nashville's Eighth Avenue, then settling at the address that still stands today on South Street.
By the mid‑1950s, Patton Brothers was the largest Black‑owned and operated funeral business in Middle Tennessee. It still is the oldest.
A surviving Patton Brothers funeral ledger from 1912 to 1915 is preserved today in the Nashville Public Library's Special Collections. Inside its pages are the names, dates, and quiet sums of more than a thousand Nashville families.
It is a record of a community caring for itself — and the same hand still writes today.
Archive · Nashville Public Library, Special Collections
A full service in either of our houses, with visitation, ceremony, and procession — held in the Victorian sanctuary on South Street or the contemporary chapel on Murfreesboro Pike.
A memorial service before or after cremation, with visitation, music, and reflection. Urn selection from our chapel, and personal delivery to family.
A more intimate gathering at the cemetery — for families who prefer the simplicity of a single ceremony at the place of rest.
A quiet conversation, well in advance — locking in today's costs and easing the burden on the family who will follow. Funded through a licensed pre‑need insurance plan.
Full coordination of military honors for those who served — flag presentation, taps, and burial at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery if desired.
When the call comes in the night, we answer. Our staff is on call twenty‑four hours, every day — to bring your loved one into our care without delay.
“We have cared for the people of Nashville for one hundred and forty‑four years.
Caring is our highest tradition.”
Patton Brothers · Serving With Distinction Since 1882
Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer & Insurance Agent
A Mortuary Science graduate of John A. Gupton College and President of the Tennessee State Funeral Directors & Morticians Association. Funeral service has run in her family for more than ninety‑six years — she calls her work being "a vessel of healing."
Licensed Funeral Director & Pre‑Need Agent
A graduate of John A. Gupton College, with a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt and an MBA from Keller Graduate School. A pastor known throughout Middle Tennessee, he leads families through both the arrangements and the grief.
Family Service
A trusted face for Patton Brothers families, Jo Anna sits with each family through arrangements — making sure every wish, every name, and every hymn is recorded and honoured exactly as intended.
Our directors are on call twenty‑four hours, every day. Reach us by phone, or write us a note — we will be in touch within the hour.
