Rushie Patterson

Rushie Bell Patterson, 78, of Dothan passed away Thursday August 16, 2012 at her residence.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Robert Byrd directing.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 5 pm until 7pm.

“The lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” The journey and life of Mrs. Rushie Bell Thomas-Patterson began early one morning on September 12th, 1933 in Henry County Headland, Alabama. Mrs Rushie Bell Patterson was the first born to the late Mr. Johnnie and Celester Galloway- Thomas. Mrs. Patterson accepted Christ at early age. She joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Headland, Alabama where the late Rev. J.W. Martin was the pastor. Many ships have sailed since his departure but she remained a faithful member under today’s leadership of Pastor Delvick McKay .

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. M.C. Patterson on December 24th, some”59 years ago. She departed this life on August 16, 2012. She was preceded in death by her son Eddie Dean Patterson by her parents, one sister Earnestine Gibson and one brother Charles Thomas. Mrs. Patterson hospitality was known by many, her home was always open, and rather it was to feed you food or feed your soul with Jesus. If you didn’t know Jesus when you came over, when you left Mrs. Patterson’s home you knew Jesus. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: A devoted husband Mr. M.C. Patterson ,eight sons, Billy C.the late  Marie Patterson, Tom Catherine Patterson, Nathaniel Patterson, R.L.Demetrius Patterson, James Charles,Shelia Patterson, Henry C. Patterson, Tim Shirley Patterson, Sushan Patterson, two daughters, Ms. Ruthie Patterson, Mrs. Annie John Williams, and one special daughter-in-law Gloria Patterson, all of Dothan, Al. Twenty five grandchildren, Twenty nine great grandchildren, three loving and devoted sisters, Virginia Brinkley, Bertha Thomas, Willie R. Thomas all of Kinsey, Al. Five brothers, John Lee Arlene Thomas, Bobby, Samuel, David, and Ray Thomas all of Dothan, Al. Sister- in- Laws Betty Thomas, Headland, AL  Willene Thomas, Midland City AL, Catherine Smith, Tallahassee Florida, BettyHenry Neely Aug. GA. Three brother in- laws Felix Thomas, Vero Beach Fla, Willie B. Patterson, Orlando Fla, Rev. Wiley Gibson Midland City ,Al. A special family Mary Maude, Eddie, & Ann Ruth Sanders and one Uncle Tom Sanders of Dothan, AL. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and many many friends and neighbors.