Magalene McRae

UTICA/STATEN ISLAND - Mrs. Magalene McRae, age 87, gently passed in her sleep and went home to the Lord on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Born in Allendale, SC on May 9, 1935 Magalene was the daughter of the late Shedrack and Ivery Lee (Early) Cave. Raised and educated in Allendale, in 1968, she migrated north to Utica, joining her family members who had already relocated here. She also felt the pull to move north to provide a better atmosphere to raise her children – something for which they were forever grateful to her, as she provided them with a beautiful life upstate. At one time, she was married to Leroy Patterson, Sr., who preceded her. Eight children were born to this loving union; they were blessed and wonderful parents. Later, Magalene married John McRae, who gave her a second opportunity to experience love. John treated her children as his own and was affectionately called Papa John by them. He passed away in 2005. Both of her beloved husbands will be eagerly awaiting to embrace her upon her arrival in Heaven. Magalene kept her priorities in order, making sure home and family always came first. She put great effort into her work outside her home as well, holding positions with Skenandoa Knitting Mill and later the Golden Age Nursing Home, where she was a nurse’s aid. She never failed to provide wonderful care and compassion to those she served. She had an impeccable work ethic, and it was from this position that she retired. She was the type of mother who always showed patience and love to her children. Her devotion to them was so palpable that anyone could see it when they saw her with them. A woman of inner beauty, she was known lovingly as the “community mom,” and would have a delicious plate ready for anyone who needed it. She insisted on solid educations for all her children, and always wanted the best for them. She kept kindness always in her heart, and wisdom on her tongue. Her personality was that of a mother hen, and she taught so many people a great many lessons. As a result, everyone she met respected and honored her. A member of the greatest generation, she was truly golden. We will rarely see the likes of this kind of woman, whose memory should be cherished. She had all her values in the proper order; she spoke softly but carried a big stick; and she never passed judgement on others. A wonderful listener, she also doled out beautiful and sage advice. Magalene took great pride in the state of her yard and her garden. She diligently planted her bulbs and anxiously awaited for them to bloom each spring. Her perfect front and back yards were her pride and joy. With Papa John, together they had a bountiful vegetable harvest each fall. She also loved being a part of the Eagle Street Community Garden. She drew great joy from music as well. She could always wind down with some Gospel or and Blues. Any time she heard those tunes – especially at cookouts – she felt the music and would dance to the beats! Magalene was “in charge of the whole family.” She initiated events, and carefully prepared the menu – most notably her mac and cheese, and collard greens with smoked turkey neck. As a grandma, a word that was music to her ears, she would throw an annual birthday party for all her grandchildren – a combined celebration! Additionaly, she had a pancake eating contest, which shall never be forgotten. A second mama, they all loved and respected her for all she did for them. She possessed a great strength of character and charity. She was a “clean” woman. She cared for the sick and kept a healthy spiritual life. She was a God-fearing believer, who strove to follow His word. All the wisdom she imparted to others she drew from the Lord. She trusted Him fully and read her bible whenever she could. She served her church community – the Greater Holy Temple Church of Jesus Christ – with supreme dedication. Magalene is survived by her children and their loves, Jesse and Vernita Patterson, Leroy Jr. and Anita Patterson, Henry and Stacey Patterson, Sarah and Eddie Dixon, Jr., Alonzo and Denise Patterson, and also remembering his late wife, Tracye, Isiah and Shellyann Patterson. She was preceded by her daughter, Lavern Byrd, and infant son, Jimmy Patterson. She was a wonderful grandmother to 37 grandchildren. Her legacy will live on in the lives of her multitude of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. During her life she held close the memories of her grandchildren, Vernon L. Patterson, Edward Patterson, Alonzo Patterson, Jr., and Lameka Muhammad. She also leaves behind her siblings, Mary Lee, Isalene, Pauline, Bertha, Robert, and Ronnie. She will meet again in the next life her brothers and sisters who preceded her, Larry, infant Mary Etta, Leroy, Iverson, James, Liz, Francenia, Barbara, infant Nadine, and Elijah. She will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and her sister-in-law, Johnnie Mae Williams; and wonderful friend, Sister Brown, who often checked up on her. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Carmel Richmond Nursing Home, where Magalene received excellent care when she came to need it. The special attention, outstanding service, and remarkable attentiveness they paid her will never be forgotten. Thank you to each member for what they did to comfort her. Visitation for Mother McRae will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Greater Holy Temple Church of Jesus Christ, 1309 Howard Ave., Utica. Magelene’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Magalene McRae

May 9, 1935 - November 2, 2022