Edward Allen Patterson

A memorial service for Edward will be held Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205. Following the memorial service will be an interment at 2:00 PM at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Edward's memory may be made to the Curb Appeal Program for St. Luke UMC and Highland Park UMC in Dallas, Texas. There is a link for donations below.

Edward Allen Patterson, the son of the late Joe and Willie Mae Patterson, peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on November 5, 2021.

He was born February 3, 1936, in Montgomery, AL where he lived until graduating from George Washington Carver High School. He then joined the United States Air Force serving 24 years, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. His air force career included work in avionics and race relations. He was a Sr. Enlisted Advisor at both Aviano AFB in Italy and Myrtle Beach AFB in South Carolina. In Italy,

the locals affectionately called him "the boss above all bosses".

From his marriage to Lauretta Ford, three beautiful children were born. As a proud father to two daughters and one son, Mona, Enid and Edd, he showered them with his devotion and love. He instilled in them Christian values and the importance of education and discipline. As a doting grandfather to his two smart and handsome grandsons, Elijah and Langston, he was a constant inspiration.

Retired from the Air Force at Myrtle Beach, Ed decided to continue his education, graduating from University of South Carolina in 1981 along with his eldest daughter, Mona. He earned a Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies degree followed by a Master of Arts - Management degree from Webster University.

GTE (now Verizon) recruited him into its management training program which led to a 19 year business career. In various cities, he successfully led several GTE teams in public affairs, customer service and business operations and received numerous plaques and other accolades. Ed retired in 1998, as vice-president general manager of operations at GTE Northeast Region in Marion, Ohio and relocated to Bedford, Texas.

In August 1993, he married Juliet Stribling. During their 28 year marriage, together they enjoyed U.S. and world travel, cooking, exercising, and supporting their community. Travel was most often by air, but car trips and cruises were numerous. New cities were explored with long walks and indigenous shopping. A fishing exploration, enjoying a houseboat trip or date nights to the Jubilee Theatre were memorable

occasions.

After establishing their residence in Bedford, Ed became active in community service to include memberships on the Bedford Community Affairs Commission; The Bedford Public Library Advisory Board; and The Ambassadors of Fort Worth. For several years he mentored 3rd- 5th grade boys at Edward J. Briscoe Elementary School in Fort Worth ISD.

Joining St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church more than 30 years ago, he faithfully served on the Sunrise Usher Board; was Chairman of the Church Council; and Lay Leader to the North Texas Annual Conference. In October 2019, he received the Zan W. Holmes Man of the Year award for his servant leadership. His greatest passion for service was mission work. He served on the North Texas

Conference United Methodists Volunteers In Missions (UMVIM) team for several years. Ed and Juliet traveled to Brazil in 2005, followed by numerous other mission trips including Africa University in Zimbabwe. As chairman of the Mission Ministry, he led the coordination of 6 trips both domestic and international.

Ed was instrumental in establishing the St. Luke Curb Appeal program which focuses on exterior repairs to homes owned by senior citizens. This initiative partnered with the City of Dallas and Labors for Neighbors (LFN-a volunteer roofing specialists group from Highland Park United Methodist Church) for equipment and skilled laborers. He later served as a LFN Board member. This resulted in trips to help Oklahoma Native American Methodists with roofing church sanctuaries, parsonages and fellowship halls. St. Luke members and friends joined this effort with LFN. He would be thrilled to know that an official Certificate of Formation has been issued to establish the Curb Appeal program as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Final approval is imminent.

Ed was honored by the St. Luke Team on Nominations and Leadership Development in 2021 with the establishment of the Ed Patterson Servant Leadership Award created to recognize St. Luke members for their commitment to service. Ed Patterson tirelessly served within the church and the community, locally, regionally and internationally. Possessing a spiritual heart for helping others, he became an inspiration to spur others to give their best for Christ. He lived out the creed of truly being a “United” Methodist.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Katie Howard, Vera Adams, Lillian Ransom, Allen Patterson, Tom Patterson and Joe Patterson.

Left to mourn and celebrate Ed’s remarkable life are his loving and devoted wife, Juliet; two sisters -- Johnnie Mae Gay and Bettie Lee (Clearthur) both of Mobile, AL; children -- Mona Lee (Charles) of Montclair, VA, Edward Patterson II (Vicki) of Redwood City, CA, and Enid Wade of Denver, CO; grandchildren -- Elijah and Langston Wade along with special extended family -- John A. Adams (Folami) and their children of Atlanta, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and loved ones.

Ed leaves an amazing legacy of high ethical standards, hard work, leadership, collaboration, and respect. He deeply loved spending time with family. He was an avid crappie fisherman and an expert hunter. He supported many other worthwhile causes in the arts and education, donated to multiple charities and routinely practiced random acts of kindness. He showered many with his generosity and giving spirit ---

always with that radiant, unforgettable smile.

Forever Loved ~ Gone Fishing!

~ORDER OF SERVICE~

Soft Music.................Monya Logan, Minister of Music St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church

Words of Greeting.................Rev. Lynda Mayberry, Officiating Pastor St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church

Scriptures:

Old Testament.................Psalms 112: 1-9 - Apostle Allen Patterson

New Testament.................Phillipians 2: 1-5- Timothy L. Owens

Prayer.................Dr. Clara Reed, Retired Clergy

His Eye is On the Sparrow.................Lynn Roberts / James Wright, Duet

Resolutions.................Rev. Sharon Larkin, Pastor of Congregational Care St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church

Reflections of Our Dad.................Mona, Edd, & Enid

The Lord's Prayer.................Lynn Roberts, Soloist

A Conversation About Our Friend.................Rev. Richie Butler, Sr. Pastor Facilitator

Participants:

James Mallard-Fishing/Hunting/Cruising

Joe Sargeant - GTE/Craftsman/Military

James Ellis - Family

Carrie Marshall - St.Luke Mission Ministry

John Gunter - Labor for Neighbors

Riley Simmons - Curb Appeal

If I Can Help Somebody.................James Wright, Soloist

Parting Words.................

Benediction.................Rev. Butler

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Dr. Zan W. Holmes, Jr. - Los Angeles, CA

John A. Glover, Jr. - Myrtle Beach, SC

Atty. Mark T. McDonald - Houston, TX (posthumously)

Dorris Fuller, Jr. - San Antonio, TX

Elijah Wade - Denver, CO

Langston Wade - Denver, CO

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of the late Edward A. Patterson wishes to express appreciation for the many prayers and other expressions of sympathy extended to them during this period of bereavement. Your many acts of kindness and love mean more to us than words can express. We also extend a very special thanks to those who donate to Ed's beloved Curb Appeal program. His legacy lives on through us. May God richly bless each of you.

~ The Patterson Family