Homeless Woman Touched Lives of Many in Upstate

No one really knew her story. She had wandered the streets of the Berea community for as long as anyone could remember.

Her name was Frances Patterson, but most people knew her as Hubba Hubba.

Patterson, 88, of Greenville died Monday in her recliner at her home on Calhoun Avenue, according to Greenville County Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis.

Ellis said that Patterson grew up in Greenville and that her health had begun to decline over the past couple of months. Prior to that time, she walked up to 20 miles a day, her family told him.

That's what most people remember about Patterson, seeing her walking around the community. She'd occasionally stop for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee at area restaurants, but most of the time she was walking.

But no one really knew what drove her to the streets of Greenville's west side.

Several years ago, Patterson seemed to disappear from the community. Many thought she had died. But then someone started a page called "Memories of Hubba Hubba" on Facebook and people started to post their memories of her from over the years. From one post the page grew overnight and now has about 3,000 members.

When the news of her death was posted on the fan page, a steady flow of messages followed.

"RIP, Frances."

"You will truly be missed, Miss Frances."

"RIP Francis — on the streets of gold now, not the streets of Berea."

But that doesn't always mean that people were nice to her.

Mixed in with the sympathy messages are stories of encounters with Patterson. The times she was friendly, the times she was sweet and even the times that she was mean.

But one thing is for sure, Patterson has stayed in the hearts and thoughts and minds of people, no matter how far they have wandered from Berea.

Patterson is survived by a son, Gary Wilburn and a granddaughter, according to the coroner's office.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by the Thomas McAfee Funeral Home — Northwest Chapel.

If you remember Frances Patterson, we would love to hear your stories. Post them in our comments section below.