The Church of God in Christ and the Memphis faith-based community are mourning the passing of Evangelist Louise D. Patterson.
Ms. Patterson passed away on Sunday November 20th.
Sister Louise D. Patterson was born January 27th.
She was the President and CEO of Bountiful Blessings, Incorporated. She was also the widow of former COGIC Presiding Bishop GE Patterson, where she was the Founding Wife of Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ in Memphis, TN.
She was also a licensed Evangelist within the COGIC denomination.
Her commitment to God’s work helped her to expand her husband’s ministry and gain national recognition among various community and religious leaders.
Sister Louise Patterson had been an active in a number of church ministries. She even played a vital role in the Bishop’s Wives Circle. For many years, she taught Sunday school at Temple of Deliverance Church of God In Christ, the church her husband founded,
Sister Louise Patterson also organized the church’s Clothes Closet committed to providing clothing free to the needy.
In addition, she launched the annual Senior Citizens Dinner held every Christmas to recognize and provide gifts to the senior members of the church.
Each year, Sister Louise Patterson would give out the The Overcomers Award during the church’s annual Women’s Day to encourage women who have persevered through tremendous hardships and obstacles.
Community service was always at the forefront of Sister Patterson’s life.
She and her late husband contributed scholarship money to help young people across the country attend college.
As First Lady she served as an advisor to many pastors’ wives and served as a symbol of strength to many women across the world.
She has received countless awards and honors for her humanitarian work.
After her husband, the renown GE Patterson, passed away. Sister Patterson worked tirelessly to continue her husband’s legacy. She spearheaded the effort to erect an eternal flame at entrance of the Temple of Deliverance Church in his honor.
Reactions are pouring in from business and religious leaders.
“Mother Evangelist Louise Patterson was the epitome of what a woman of grace, class, faith, and beauty was,” said Memphis businessman Brian Harris. “Her radiance shined as bright as the sun, and she brightly shined in so many lives as she did mine.”
Greater Imani Church Pastor Dr. Bill Adkins tweeted, “A dear friend, great woman of God, widow of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson has transitioned to glory. Rest well in paradise Evangelist Louise Patterson.”
Gospel singer and First Lady of the COGIC Church, Karen Clark Sheard, posted on social media, "RIH Mother Patterson."
Funeral services for Patterson are incomplete at this time.
Sister Louise Patterson did not have any children.
Sister Louise D. Patterson was 84.