Body in Grave is Not that of Leoma Patterson

After years of wondering, a family’s suspicions have been confirmed. The body in Leoma Patterson’s grave is not that of their mother.

The second DNA test from the remains once known as Leoma Patterson has been completed. The DNA from another daughter of Leoma was tested against the DNA from the remains buried in Anderson County. The second test indeed concludes that it is not a match. The two samples taken from the daughters of Leoma were also compared with each other as a “control test,” and they did match as siblings.

Next will be a request from the family’s attorney, Lynda Simmons, to re-open the case in Campbell County. The body thought to be Leoma Patterson was found in Campbell County in 1979, and it was quickly related to a missing Anderson County woman. Leoma was reported missing Oct. 20, 1978. She was last seen by a bartender leaving an Anderson County bar with unknown companions. The remains were exhumed last summer and testing begun.

Early news reports from the time stated that she was tentatively identified through extensive medical testing. The identification was made by the tools of the time period. It was determined that hair samples
matched (visually), and grind marks on the teeth suggested the use of snuff which was also conclusive with Leoma Patterson. All in the midst of a trail of false tips and rumor. Old newspapers clippings indicated there was always some degree of doubt, enough for the family to desire more definite answers.

Now the family must begin the journey that might be even more difficult than the past decades. The fact that they might never know what happened to their mother is indeed a possibility now. It is hoped it can
be resolved quickly. It has caused much pain over the years for this family.

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