Willie Lou Patterson

Willie Lou Patterson, of Utica, NY entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 26, 2012 in St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her loving children and family at her side. She was predeceased by her parents, the late Dan Patterson, Sr. and Willie Lue Patterson, brothers Samuel Patterson, Master Sergeant Floyd Patterson USMC (Ret.), Cleave Prince, and sister Lois Wilcox. Raised and educated in Utica, after graduation from high school she embarked on a career of thirty-plus years in insurance. Willie Lou was a kind spirited woman with a joyful smile and lovable heart who was affectionately nicknamed “Baby Lou” by her parents and family. Willie Lou was a dedicated, hard-working, fun loving family oriented woman who enjoyed the presence of her children, grandchildren, family and loved ones. She was the center of family time, always reliable, comforting in her presence and committed to those she loved. She gave her all in life, sincerely and completely. Those who knew her well, knew of her lifetime love of the Los Angeles Lakers. A loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, she will be greatly missed and her memories shall transcend time. She had a natural art for gifting, and to those dear to her heart, her greeting always included the endearing term of “friend”. The most precious gift her family will ever cherish was her ever-loving gift of self. Willie Lou is survived by her three sons: Bryan Patterson Sr. (Sharon), Sergeant Shinard Patterson USMC (Jieun), Jamar Patterson; and her daughter, Rhona Patterson. Survivors also include her brothers, Daniel Patterson, Jr., Oscar Patterson, Booker Patterson, Elmer Prince, Tony Woods, Melvin Pete, and Freddie Pete; her sisters Patricia Patterson, Elizabeth Patterson-Moyer, Cynthia Patterson, Tisha Prince, Trish Pete, Clynell Gary, Tina Coleman and Joyce Pete; twelve grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; a special niece, Tawanda Stanley-Carter as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, and many cherished friends, especially Wanda Fuller, Naomi Hill, Ernest Leftridge, Sam Evans, Jr. and Carolyn Upshaw. The family extends sincere thanks to all the people who supported and prayed for Willie Lou with great acknowledgement to those that understood the value of family and friendship. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Willie Lou’s Home Going and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the funeral home with Rev. George Clark officiating. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. And for that Baby Lou we say “Good Night Girlfriend, we shall see you again in that great getting-up morning”.

Willie Lou Patterson

August 31, 1951 - April 26, 2012