Mrs. Jessie Mae (Johnson) Patterson

UTICA - Mrs. Jessie Mae (Johnson) Patterson, age 89, went to heaven where she will watch over those she loved, from above. Her passing occurred on Friday, August 24, 2018 at the MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lewisville, Arkansas on November 12, 1928, Jessie Mae was the daughter of the late Frank and Lillie (Darley) Johnson. She attended Foster High School in Arkansas. On September 7, 1971 she married Rayford Patterson with whom she shared 52 years prior to his passing on October 11, 2016. Their strength, perseverance, and love in their hearts kept them together. She is now back with her beloved Rayford and her family is comforted by their reunion. Over the years, Jessie Mae was employed by Mele Manufacturing, the Masonic Home as a Housekeeper, and Broadacres as a Dietary Aid where she was remembered for her kindness and preparation of good food. She retired in 1991 to enjoy her life with her family. Jessie Mae was a wonderful woman, and her loved ones came first. She was the matriarch and peacemaker of the family. She offered her wisdom and advice and if her children didn’t listen, there were consequences!! She was the rock and voice of reason. She was a mom who had rules to follow and values to embrace, and if you were wise enough to learn, you knew the treasure of the relationship between mother and child. Although Jessie Mae was calm by nature, the “look” was enough to get your attention and settle you down. She told it like it was, and when she talked to her kids she had a way of knowing their needs and problems in a matter of minutes. It’s like she had ESP. She was a great protector and an even greater teacher. She called her grandchildren by their nicknames because that was her style, and the kids loved it! Family, food, and togetherness were the recipe for the good life that she lived. She cooked for everyone, preparing their favorite foods, and was generous and hospitable. Southern style cooking was her forte, and her rich baked goods were everyone’s favorite. She also had a green thumb and maintained a vegetable garden that produced mainly collard greens which were a main ingredient in her cooking. She enjoyed fishing from the shore with her husband at the 1,000 Islands. A gentle soul, she loved having dogs as faithful companions in her home, and they loved her. Jessie Mae was a believer and she read the bible daily. Even in her golden years, she could quote a verse of scripture that pertained to a particular situation or tribulation. She practiced her faith at the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Her hope in life was to raise a family who loved and respected her, and she succeeded. Jessie Mae had a distinct style of dressing, and was known for her meticulous presentation of herself, especially her array of colorful hats. She knew the seasons of life, and with godspeed, she persevered. Her legacy will live on in her future generations that will follow the path she forged for them. Jessie Mae is survived by her children and their loves, Billy C. Johnson, Thomas Ray Patterson, Cheryl Victoria Patterson, and Eric Patterson and wife Angela Morales-Patterson; her grandchildren, Cherie Johnson-Foster and husband Joseph; Thomas Traglia, Tonya Michelle Graham; Corey Ricks; Elijah Patterson, and Isaiah Patterson; her great-grandchildren, Amaria, Mariah; Tynaiya, and LeMijel; Cortni, Corey Jr., and Takyra; and her sister and brother-in-law, Annie Lee and James Richardson. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Willie Mary Davis; friends Clara Liggins who was her best girlfriend; and her nieces, Pamela Thompson, and Patricia Ann Garrett who called upon her often. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Lee Manning, Andrew and Ora Mae Johnson, Frank Johnson, Jr., and James Johnson; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Lillie Mae and Mack Taylor, and Ozzie Lee “Dolly” and Arthur Lee Featherston; and her in-laws, Marcellous and Eloise Patterson, Eugene Patterson, and Frances Patterson. The family extends their appreciation to the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center who compassionately cared for Jessie Mae during her numerous stays; and Dr. Emile Wassel for regularly checking in on her. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Jessie Mae's Home Going Celebration will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 at the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 1108 Court Street, Utica with Rev. James Jackson officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow in New Forest Cemetery.

Mrs. Jessie Mae (Johnson) Patterson

November 12, 1928 - August 24, 2018