Carrie M. Patterson

Obituary: Carrie Mae (Hart) Patterson was born on July 28, 1923 to Cesar and C'lester Hart in Roseboro Island, Arkansas. She was the fourth born of 6 children. As a young girl, she picked up hobbies such as sewing and gardening. During her youth, she also mastered her way around the kitchen, becoming accustomed to her mothers' teachings and recipes. Throughout the years, she grew such a passion for cooking, that only those who had the pleasure of experiencing her dishes could testify to the butter rolls, pecan pies, homemade ice cream, and who could forget those salmon croquettes! She put her heart and soul in everything that she prepared, and you would know it, because in every bite you could feel her love. At an early age, Mrs. Patterson confessed her love for Christ. On November 19th 1949 she married Mr. Leland Patterson, Sr. They loved to travel and watch baseball. Mrs. Patterson was known for her giving, loving and kind spirit which was felt by both friends and family alike. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings, which celebrated birthdays, holidays, and even warm summer nights! She often participated in school activities and functions for her grandchildren. She was an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in East Chicago, Indiana for over 30 years, where Reverend James Hunter presides. After many years of employment, she retired from both St. Margaret Hospital and Clay's Cleaning Service. After 50 years of cold winters in Gary, IN it was time for a change. In 2009 the Pattersons relocated to the warmer climate of Columbia, South Carolina, where she was welcomed with open arms and hearts by the members of First Northeast Baptist Church, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Stephen S. Masolwa. Mrs. Carrie Patterson was peacefully accepted into the Kingdom of the Lord on December 15th, 2016. Mrs. Patterson is preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Clay; siblings Fred Hart, Luella Hart-Horton, George Hart, Cesar "Uncle Bay" Hart and Leroy Hart; son Glenn Ray Clay; nephew George Henderson; and cousin Eliza Henderson. She is survived by her loving husband who cared for her up until her last day on earth Leland Patterson Sr.; children, George (Shirley) Clay, Leland (Diane) Patterson Jr.; grandchildren, Andrea Renee Clay, Anita "Niecy" Denise Clay, Ayesha (Joseph) Patterson, Ruishon "Cherry" (Etinnie) Burnett, Camille Clay-Hill; great-grandchildren, Micah Grace Clay, Gia Elysse Hill; special nieces and nephews Brenda Dumas and Sherron (Tony) Lee; God-daughter Mary D. Gates; and a host of family and friends. For over 20 years, she was the chairwoman of the July Birthday Celebration at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Mrs. Carrie Mae Patterson will forever remain in our hearts as "Granny", "Big Mama", "Madear", "Auntie", "Pretty Lady" and as the church would say, "MRS. JULY!" Services: Columbia - Service for Mrs. Carrie M. Patterson, will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at First Northeast Baptist Church with Interment in Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. Mrs. Patterson will be placed in the church one hour prior to service for public viewing. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2 to 8 pm at the JP Holley Funeral Home Columbia Chapel.