Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Gilberta Patterson

09/30/1938 - 05/03/2024

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Obituary For Mrs. Gilberta Patterson

Mrs. Gilberta Diana Patterson was born on September 30 th , 1938, in Glen Ferris, WV to the late John W. Taylor and Kate Norris. She was the youngest child of 10 (7 boys and 3 girls). Gilberta’s mother passed when she was 12 years old, and she was raised by her maternal aunt, Rosetta Diggs, and her husband Clarence in Harlem Heights.

Gilberta attended Glen Ferris Elementary School and later graduated with a certificate of honor in Home Economics from Dubois High School in 1956, the last class before it was integrated, and was a longtime member of the Dubois High School reunion planning committee until it disbanded during the Covid-19 pandemic. She attended Virginia Union University and majored in Christian Education.

On October 18, 1964, Gilberta married Walter Lee Patterson, Jr. and together they had 4 children – Theresa, Denise, Veronica, and Walter III. Over the years, Gilberta worked as a hostess at the White Oaks Country Club at a time when she wasn’t allowed to be served there; was a state employee with the Alcohol and Beverage Company in Charleston; and was the first Black woman to work at the Fayette Tribune as a printer. She also volunteered with the board of elections and was a founding member of the Ebonettes, a Black organization committed to community service. Gilberta enjoyed cooking (her family loved her corn pudding), shopping, and spending time with loved ones.

Above all else, Gilberta was a Christian woman with a strong faith. She grew up attending First Baptist Church of Harlem Heights where she taught Sunday school and vacation bible school. She later joined the First Baptist Church of Hilltop, and was last a member of the United Missionary Baptist Church in Mount Hope.

Mrs. Gilberta Patterson leaves to cherish her husband, Walter Lee Patterson Jr.; three
children, Theresa Ann Patterson, Denise P. Norman (B. Anthony Norman), and
Veronica Marie Patterson; daughter-in-law Monica P. Patterson; seven grandchildren,
Tashara Marie Leak, Robin Jerome Gore Jr., Jonathan Jamal Leak, Jourdan Everett
Norman, Jaela Ebony Norman, Xavier Walter Patterson, and Olivia Renee’ Patterson; one great-grandchild, Maddox Amari Gore; one brother, Carol Taylor; two sisters-in-law, Blanche Taylor and Carrie Taylor; and a host of other family, friends, and loved ones. She was preceded in death by eight siblings (Randolph Taylor, Lewis Taylor, Robert Taylor, Percy Taylor, Raymond Taylor, Lord Taylor, Mary Washington, and Louise Pratt) and her loving son, Walter Lee Patterson III.

Funeral service will be 1:00PM Saturday, May 11, 2024 at United Missionary Baptist Church 205 S. Fayette Ave Mt. Hope. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

08/11/2024

Erskine Agee

So sorry that we are just giving condolence. We have had illness in our family. However, we just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your mother's LOVE and DEVOTION to Dubois High School Reunions. She was a meek and lovable LADY and she exemplified true Christian valuables at all times. God Bless, Erskine Agee's Family
05/11/2024

Yvette Grimmett

To the Patterson Family. My deepest condolences. Sorry I am not there to support you at this time. However please know that my prayers are with all of you. Mrs. Gilberta Patterson it was a pleasure to know you.
05/11/2024

Lynn Dearing Family

To The Mrs Gilberta Patterson Family. We are truly sorry for the loss of your love one and family member. Mrs Gilberta Patterson was such a wonderful lady and a good friend to our family over the many years that she has been acquainted with our family . We love her and her beautiful family. We thank God for Blessing us with Mrs Gilberta Patterson in our lives. We pray that God gives the family the strength to carry on throughout this difficult time and beyond. We love you Mrs Gilberta. Thank you for being so good to me and my family. God Bless your soul and the ones you left behind. Lynn Dearing & Family
05/10/2024

Hope Morgan

The Batey family sends love and prayers to your family. NJ
05/10/2024

Patricia Walker

Theresa, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing, I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you and your family and give you comfort and strength in your time of sorrow today and in the days to come. May you always find peace in precious and cherished memories of your beautiful mom. Patricia Walker, Rosalind (Jones) Canada and family.🙏🏾🙏🏾
05/10/2024

Virginia Pryor Jefferson

Our deepest sympathy to the family -God give you comfort-From the Pryor Family-Beckley Wv
05/09/2024

Reginald Green

Condolences and prayers to the family Reggie & Cheryl Green
05/09/2024

Marsha Harvey

To the Patterson My Sincere Condolences To You In This Difficult Time May God Comfort You All🙏🏽🙏🏽
05/09/2024

Sheila Gray Johnson

Denise I am so sorry about your mother's passing, Me and my family are praying for you and your family, be blessed and stay strong and I know you will get through journey because it's you. I just wanted to send my condolences 🙏 RIH Mrs.Patterson
05/09/2024

Dorean Harris

God Give the Patterson Family your Strength to get through the Celebration of Life for Mrs Gilberta Patterson. "Wrap them in your arms and Father them" because you said they can do nothing on their own. So I call on you now for your strength in them to carry them all. In Jesus name, Amen Dorean Harris and family
05/08/2024

Mr. and Mrs. Claude Hall

Our deepest condolences to you and your family on behalf of the losing of your Mother and we pray for strength during this time. Teresa I never met your parents but I prayed continuously for them both love you always your God parents 😘😘😘😘
05/08/2024

adah strum

"Thinking of you and your family; My deepest sympathy."
05/07/2024

Rosetta Parker-Austin

Father, surround Virginia and her Patterson family. Shower Your comfort on them through those around them. Grant them the permission to experience your joy that comes with the morning. Thank you for being there for Virginia and her family in a way that only you can as a Father, Comforter, and Sustainer. In Jesus Christ Name, Amen. With sympathy, Rosetta & Michael
05/07/2024

Aisha

Sending my sincere condolences to the Patterson family and friends. May loving memories and the peace of the Lord comfort you always.
05/06/2024

Toni Proctor

My deepest sympathy for Mr Patterson and the Patterson family. Denise, may the Lord give you and the family strength and peace during this most challenging time. May you find comfort with warm memories. Mrs Patterson was a loving and kind woman. May God rest her soul.
05/06/2024

Jeff

To Denise (Anthony) Norman and the Patterson Family. May God's grace bring you comfort and strength as you honor Mrs. Patterson's life. You all are in our prayers. Jeff, Jackie and Jadyn Carmon.
05/06/2024

Tanya

My deepest condolences to Denise and her family. May you find comfort and peace during this time. We are here for you . Tanya
05/06/2024

Laura Medlin

I never met sweet Mother Patterson, but I feel like I met her through Denise. I know she was a loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, Wife, Aunt, Sister and friend to many. May our Lord Bless you and the family and give you comfort and strength right now. I pray you are flooded with memories of uplifting joy throughout the days to come. Rest in Peace Mother Patterson.... Laura Medlin
05/04/2024

KATHLEEN SULLIVAN

My deepest condolences and deepest prayers to the family. May God bring you comfort and you find joy in your memories. Rest in Heaven Mrs. Patterson, Woman of God. Naima and Don Sullivan

Tributes

The Peace Lily was sent for Mrs. Gilberta Patterson - 05/10/2024
Stately Croton was sent for Mrs. Gilberta Patterson - 05/09/2024
dorean harris planted 5 trees in memory of Mrs. Gilberta Patterson . - 05/09/2024
Betty S Brown sent Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment for Mrs. Gilberta Patterson - 05/08/2024

With deepest sympathy in remembrance of my dear friend. Betty Sims Brown