Virginia Patterson

I met Ginny and Pat and their family in the early years of my marriage to Jessie. I understood right away why Jessie so admired and treasured them. Ginny was the older sister that Jessie talked about so often and so lovingly. I too came to love Ginny's radiant spirit, and even after decades, I sense her warmth. My earnest condolences to the family and others who were blessed to know her.

May God comfort all the family members for the loss of their delightfully lovely Mother, Nana, Sister, and Dear Friend. I will always cherish Ginny's memory and the welcoming, loving acceptance of our family into her family. Please be assured that Heaven is a brighter, happier, paradise with the presence of such a sweet, beautiful new angel!

My name is Virginia. My parents Barb and Dick Andrews named me after my mother's best friend, Ginny Patterson. The Andrews family lived next door to the Pattersons on Minaqua Street and then later on Sandburg Street, in Park Forest IL. If you visit Sandburg Street, the walk way between our two homes still has the hand prints and names of all us kids, encased in concrete. For the first decade of my life, Ginny and Pat were like second parents to all the Andrews kids. I remember so much laughter, so much fun. Terry was my sister Susie's best friend and when Susie died at the age of fifteen; Ginny and Pat helped shoulder the grief until we all could carry on. My mother says that Ginny was her best friend for 55 years. When I looked around into the faces of the people at her funeral, I saw that many people felt the same way. Ginny made everyone feel special, she made everyone feel like family. The Andrews family; Barb, Rick, Kris, Kim and me, we all send our love and condolences to the Patterson family, you are all family to us.

A friend asked me how long I had known Ginny. My response was that I don't remember ever not knowing Pat and Ginny. They will be missed very much. I always looked forward to lunch with Ginny, as she set such a lovely meal on the table. I am the daughter of one of Ginny's classmates in Joplin.

If you were a friend of Ginny's sons she treated you like family. I am proud to have shared that kind of relationship with her. To Chuck and all his family I send my love. A classier lady I shall never know the likes of again.

It's so hard to let go of someone as sweet and loving as Ginny. She was everything everybody has said she was and more. I had shared with her the poem, THE WATCHER by Margaret Widdemer many years ago as I had it read at my mother's funeral. Little did I ever suspect that Ginny would have it read at her own funeral. I found it just as appropriate describing Ginny as it was my own mother. Thank you Ginny for your unconditional love, friendship and words of wisdom and our Monday night calls to each other. I will miss you forever. Love you, Kathryn.

Dear Patterson Family, I just wanted to express my condolences to your family. Ginny was a special friend to not only my mother as her next door neighbor, but to our entire family. She always welcomed us into her home like family. We will miss her so much. Blessings, Jo Ann Meason Franklin

My thoughts and prayers are with the Patterson family may God Bless You. Sincerely Mike Sales

We have lost a wonderful Lady,cousin and friend. She will be missed by all as she was loved by all. Virginia and Pat were the perfect couple and loved each other very much and now she has gone too be with him and I know they are happy to be together again. We love you Virginia God Bless all your family....Evelyn

You all, especially Susan, have been in our thoughts and prayers since Ginny was diagnosed. She was such a warm, loving person mom and I will greatly miss seeing her smiling face at our family get togethers. She welcomed us so completely to the family and was always so sweet to Ma. love Janie and Jennifer Goins