Terry Ann Patterson
Obituary
Terry Ann Patterson passed away on October 11, 2022, in the comfort of her home. Terry Ann Patterson was born on March 29, 1947, in Junction City, Kansas to Wayne and Virginia Patterson. She was the eldest of four siblings; big sister to her brothers Chuck, Russ, and Ted. She treasured lasting memories of trips to Arkansas and Kansas for family reunions. After working most of her adult life in Tulsa, Terry retired to Claremore around 20 years ago.
Terry graduated from Oklahoma State University, and later in life got her United Methodist Local Pastor’s License and worked in Children’s ministry at First United Methodist Church of Tulsa. This was one of her greatest joys, and a vocational path that her daughter, Susan, and granddaughter, Emma, also followed in.
Terry worked hard and sacrificed to raise her daughter, Susan, and son, Allen, as a single mother. Susan married Roger, and Terry gained a wonderful son-in law. She later became a grandmother to Liz and Emma, who were the lights of her life. In addition to spending time with her granddaughters, Terry loved painting and gardening; her home once being featured in the Claremore Garden tour. Terry’s artwork and skillful green thumb left family and friends in awe. Terry’s love for the Lord poured over into every aspect of her life. She was strong in faith, active in prayer, and always ready for fellowship. She cherished her pilgrimage to Israel in early 2016.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan, son-in-law, Roger, granddaughters Liz and Emma, brother, Chuck and his wife, Mary, brother, Russ and his wife, Paula, brother, Ted and his wife, Melinda, nieces Aubrey, Lindsay, Lesley, and Alexis, and nephews, Michael and Noble, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Terry is preceded in death by her son, Allen, her parents, Wayne and Virginia, and her nephew, Geoff.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made in Terry’s memory to the Childrens Ministry of Mosaic Church, 3131 NW 50th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Celebration of Life 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15 at University United Methodist Church, 2915 E. 5th Street, Tulsa, OK.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Terry and I met for the first time in 5th grade in Bloomington, IL. We lived actoss the street from one another. My family moved away to Iowa, California, and finally back to Hinsdale, IL. One day I was sitting in class in Hinsdale Township High School (it was the first day of school) and the teacher did a roll call. My name came first, and then I heard Terry’s name. I couldn’t believe it!! I had to practically stand up saying “Terry?” She sat there grinning nodding her head!!! We could hardly wait till class was over to hug each other!! We then found out she had moved into a house right around the corner from me!! It was a great year and a half before my parents moved again. And we lost touch again. I wish that I had found her before she passed away. She was always bubbly with a smile that lit up the room. Rest in peace, Terry. Maybe we can meet again. Thank you for being my friend and the times we spent together. Love, Kaye Kreider Radler ❤️
Kaye Kreider Radler
I was blessed to spend a little time with Terry, just last weekend., I didn’t really know Terry other than she was Susan’s mom and Emma’s grandma and my daughter and Emma did some of the same activities in school, so we were acquaintances. On Saturday we spent some time in fellowship and we were both touched by Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. She said she took comfort in those words and we further talked about the meaning. I was truly blessed by the few hours we were together, her faith radiated. We had a wonderful conversation about faith and loved ones and memories, mine and hers. Including her dog Buddy and her cool kitchen tiles that she said was Liz’s (Cinderella) ballroom as a child. She talked about Emma coming home to see her for four days. She thanked me for being with her to give Susan a little time because she knows how hard her illness is on her. It is evident she will be missed, but find peace she’s with God.
Teresa Palmer
Terry and I were friends for 53 years. We were war buddies, in the sense that we supported each other through the battlefield of life in the way only good girlfriends can do. Sometimes we laughed, sometimes we cried, but the love remained and the memories will linger within our souls forever. The last time I spoke with Terry was inside her home two days before she died. I sat at her bedside and we talked for four hours straight, which was a miracle courtesy of the Holy Spirit given Terry’s weakened condition. We reminisced, but also discussed the really hard topics you discuss with someone who is dying. I can attest that Terry was joyfully ready to go into the arms of Jesus who she knew would take her directly to the place that her faith promised she would go. I miss her already, but look forward to seeing her again…
DEBORAH GAMBOA
Chuck Patterson