The Life and Legacy of Our Family Matriarch

~ Deaconess Nell N. Patterson ~

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

On Saturday morning, September 9, 2023, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend, Deaconess Nell N. Patterson departed this earthly life at Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Virginia, and entered eternal rest with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She truly loved the Lord and sang His praises daily!

Deaconess Nell N. Patterson was born on August 3, 1934, in Wakefield, Virginia. She was one of 12 children born to the late Nathaniel and Gracie Gay. She was educated in the Sussex School System, a one-room school, and often shared many stories about it with us. Although she was a stay-at-home mom, she worked each year during the harvest season at the Wakefield Peanut Company, along with her sisters and sisters-in-law.

On April 3, 1954, she married her one and only husband, Raymond Lee Patterson (deceased) and from that union was born eight children. She instilled in each of them the love of God and the importance of strength and stability in preparing for life's challenges.

Deaconess Patterson accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a very early age and joined Pocahontas Temple Baptist Church in Wakefield, Virginia. She later moved her membership to First Baptist Church in Wakefield, Virginia under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Judge Brown. At her passing, Deaconess Patterson held the position of Deaconess and Mother of the Church under the current pastoral leadership of Reverend Doctor Jerry B. Parham. She gladly served her church family with a faithful heart and humble spirit and loved when she was able to fellowship in the House of the Lord. She lived her life according to God's Word and constantly sung His praises.

The unconditional love that she had for her family and for all who knew her was evident throughout the community as she was affectionately known as everyone's "Granny." She was a loving and kindhearted person with a big heart that she shared with everyone. She loved teaching all the children about God and how to sing God's praises through song. Her conversations and advice were always about loving the Lord, loving everyone else, and treating everybody right, but Deaconess Nell never bit her tongue when it was time to tell you the TRUTH.

Deaconess Patterson was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Lee Patterson, sons Ruben and Raymond Jr., granddaughter Shaniqua Denay Patterson, siblings William Allen Gay, Nathaniel Gay Jr., Fred Gay, Leslie Gay and Thomas Gay, Elnora Gay, Doris Urquhart, and Phyllis Ruffin.

She leaves to cherish her memories five daughters, Elizabeth Judkins (James), Peggy Purdie, and Kathy Patterson, of Wakefield, Virginia; Janet Loretta Patterson and Valarie Patterson-Ricks of Waverly, Virginia; one son, Kelvin Patterson (Lisa) of Wakefield, Virginia; step-son, Allen Tonkins of Waverly, Virginia; two sisters, Gladys Stringfield of Surry, Virginia and Louise Stith of Wakefield, Virginia; one brother, Richard Gay of Windsor, Virginia; step-sister, Donell Hillard of Waverly, Virginia; two sisters in law, Dorothy Gay of Wakefield, Virginia and Barbara Gay of Norfolk, one brother-in-law, James Ruffin of Warrenton, Virginia and a Goddaughter, Myesha Britton of Wakefield, Virginia. Additionally, Deaconess Patterson's life and legacy will continue to live on for many years to come through her 19 devoted grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. May the life that she lived and the way that she loved forever speak for her.

Public Viewing 10:00am - 5:00pn Friday, September 15, 2023 at Peace Funeral Home, Waverly, Virginia.

A Celebration of Life will be at 12noon Saturday, September 16, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Wakefield, Virginia, Rev. Dr. Jerry Parham, Pastor, and Rev. Charles Davis, Eulogist.  Interment will follow immediately at Booker T. Memorial Park, Wakefield, Virginia.

Arrangements by Peace Funeral Home, Waverly, Virginia, James Gay, Funeral Director.

Follow link below to watch livestream.

https://facebook.com/events/s/celebration-of-life-for-deacon/261455800188056/?mibextid=RQdjqZ