Springfield — Esther Arlene Patton, 83, of Springfield, Illinois, died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at her home in Springfield. Esther was born July 21, 1940, in Highland, Illinois, the daughter of Adolph H. and Madge I. Edwards Brewer. She married David M. Patton on Sept. 25, 1965, in Hillsboro. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, David, in 2017; and a sister, Naomi Law.

Esther graduated from Greenville High School in 1958, North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Sangamon State University in 1977 with a degree in education. She worked at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for 32 years, retiring in 2000. She also previously worked for the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Esther devoted her life to her faith and family, and she loved spending time at home with her family. Growing up, she was an organist and pianist and taught Sunday School classes at First Assembly in Springfield. She later became an active member of Calvary Church in Springfield where she taught Sunday School classes and led numerous Bible studies for many years. She and her husband strongly supported Calvary's outreach missions, and Esther traveled to El Salvador as part of a missionary trip.

She is survived by her son, Donavon D. (wife, Kara) Patton, of Springfield; her grandson, Gavin D. Patton, of Springfield; one brother, Aaron A. (wife, Esther) Brewer, of Litchfield; one sister, Ruth A. Stults, of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Esther's family will meet friends from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Calvary Church's Jefferson Street campus at 1730 W. Jefferson St. in Springfield, with Rev. Mark Johnson and Rev. Paul Rose officiating. Burial will be at Old Salem Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Calvary Church Mission Fund, 1730 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62702.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Esther Patton. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.