Tributes

Mary Jane Williams Patterson, daughter of the late James Edward Williams, Sr. and Elizabeth Moore Williams was born on March 2, 1934 in Pitt County. She departed this life on November 17, 2014 at Vidant Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Mary began her career as a student in the Pitt County Training Schools. It is here where she loved school, and was inspired by her 1st grade teacher to make a difference in her life and in other lives of children that she touched. She graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She did graduate studies at North Carolina A&T State and East Carolina Universities, learning and practicing new ways of perfecting her craft over the years. For more than thirty years, Mrs. Patterson taught at G.R. Whitfield in Grimesland N.C. She tirelessly devoted herself mentally, physically, and spiritually to every student she encountered in and outside of her classroom. Regardless of abilities, gender, or race, she loved them all. At G.R. Whitfield, she met the love of her life, a new P.E. teacher named Jerome Patterson. They were married in 1965 and were each other’s soul mate, friend, and partner. On June 30, 1973 a daughter, Katina, completed their happy family. Mary was a devoted and loving wife, as well as a doting and protective mother of Katina whom she often referred to as her "miracle child". She loved her family, friends, church family, and was there to listen and help anyone who needed her. She was a strong, intelligent woman who was not afraid to stand up for what she believed, which some may have found intimidating, but she knew what she wanted and would always say, "well someone has to say something, it may as well be a smart good looking someone, like me". And yes, she loved herself as well. She was a faithful servant of God from the time she could walk, talk and sing, until the moment her beautiful voice was silenced. Mary Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Jerome Patterson; three brothers, James Jr., Wiley Ray, Jessie Lee; one sister, Lena Bell. Mary Jane is survived by a daughter, Katina Dawn Patterson; two brothers, LTC (R) David Williams (Mary) of Fayetteville, NC, Samuel Williams (Juanita) of Greenville, NC; one sister, Shirley Williams of Greenville, NC; a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Mary Jane Patterson

March 2, 1934 - November 17, 2014