Mr. J. W. Patterson

Obituary For Mr. J. W. Patterson

Mr. J. W. Patterson was born November 23, 1947 in Lowndes County, Georgia to the late Mr. McClary Patterson, Sr. and Mrs. Louise Harris Patterson. As a child J. W. attended Payton AME Church along with his family.

J. W. retired from the Lowndes County School System after faithfully serving students, faculty, and administration at Clyattville Elementary School for 43 years as custodian. On the occasion, former students, past principals and community leaders converged on the school campus to pay tribute to J. W. described as one of its finest employees. The school parking lot was packed and the gymnasium was standing room only as the student body, teachers, work colleagues, and audience members shared personal stories, poems, banners, cards, and letters. Former students living great distances away participated by sharing video presentations sharing touching memories and lasting impressions Mr. J. W. had made on their lives. Remarkable, J. W. knew every student by name. When a student was absent more than a couple of days, one could be assured J. W. would be asking the teacher about that student. He always kept candy in his pockets which he generously gave out to the children. J. W. was even known to buy treats for a few that he realize could not afford such luxuries. At the end of the school year, Lowndes High School student return to their elementary school for a Senior Parade held in their honor. It was not uncommon for students to seek out Mr. J. W. before leaving campus. They always wanted to make him proud of them for their accomplishments. The 2019-2020 school yearbook was dedicated to Mr. J. W. In addition at the end of each school year going forward one student will be selected to received the J. W. Patterson Award for exhibiting the integrity and compassion that embodied this extraordinary man.

J.W. Patterson departed this life May 9, 2024 at his home following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents McClary Patterson Sr. and Louise Patterson; two brothers McClary Patterson, Jr. and Henry Charles Patterson; one sister Patricia Patterson Copeland as well as his niece April Stokes.

He leaves to cherish his memorial his brother William Julius Patterson (Jennifer), sister Shirley Patterson Thomas, Evelyn Patterson Stokes (Joe) and Linda Patterson Campbell (Richard); aunt Ora Lee Patterson and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Home going service for Mr. J. W. Patterson will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at Payton A. M. E. Church Rev. Timothy White is the pastor and Pastor Felecia Williams will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, May 17, from 5:00 P.M. til 7:00 P.M.

Scott and Roberts Mortuary