WILLIE PATTERSON

Rev. Willie Patterson, a native of Rutledge, was born September 22, 1922 to the late Clarence and Lou (Whittle) Patterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Athel Lee Smith; and brothers, Ewing and Henry L Patterson.

He and his siblings were raised by their maternal grandmother, Ida Whittier, famously known, Ms. Coot.

He attended the local school, worked on the farm, and joined Bethlehem Baptist Church. He served in the Army, as a Cook, during World War II.

Returning home, he met Lola Bell Crenshaw and they married in November 1947. A short time later, they started their family of 12 children, two daughters died in infancy. Jobs were scarce in Alabama, so friends and family suggested going to Niagara Falls, N.Y. There he found work and sometime later sent for his family.

Willie was an avid hunter, fisherman and farmer. He enjoyed most sports baseball, basketball and football. He became member of Trinity Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon and Superintendent of Sunday School, and serviced as a community activist for several years.

Rev. Willie Met and married Doris Rodgers in 1983, they traveled and thoroughly enjoyed being together, until her death in 2019.

Willie leaves three daughters, Rutha W, Rosie T, and Lola P. Patterson; and four sons, Willie C, Willie L (Jackie), Johnnie and Robert L. Patterson.

He was predeceased by daughters, Mary P Buckner, Rosie L P. Sanders and Gloria P. Brunson.

He also leaves 25 grandchildren; numerous great- grandchildren and great, greatgrandchildren; step children, Mary Kelly, Sandra Moore, Robert, Dwight and Thomas Cowan; and a host of relatives and very special friends.