ALTHEA PATTERSON

Althea Patterson of Clearwater, Florida will be deeply missed by all who knew her and especially by family who loved her. Her cheerful disposition, generosity, smile for all, and love for everyone with whom she came in contact made her a joy to be around. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the loving parents, Frank Langworthy Fair and Belva McCrimmon Fair, Althea spent a happy childhood, enjoying the companionship of her older sister Emeline. Althea has three daughters, Sylvia Patterson, Patricia Patterson, Melanie Jantschek (John) and three sons, Jack Patterson, Clifford Michael Patterson (Nancy) and Dennis Patterson (Susan). Also, Althea had eight grandchildren, Alec (Lindsey), Ian (Britni), Ashley (Tim), Michael, September, Clifford III, Tara (James), and Tiffany (Tim). Althea was also blessed with ten great grandchildren, Madeline, Lillian, Levi, Aly, Lyla, Ian, Sara, JT, Lily Grace Althea and Elijah. Surviving nieces and nephews are Sally Baker Goodell, Guy Baker, Billy Baker (Judy), and Duane Baker (Laura), and Danny (deceased). The late Clifford Patterson was her husband and the father of Dennis, Patricia and Clifford Michael. Althea graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and attended college for two years at Western State Teachers College (now Western Michigan University) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She worked in various capacities during her life, including: usher at Butterfield Theaters in Kalamazoo, Michigan (during college), salesclerk at Gilmore Brothers Department Store and head of human resources at Gibson Music in Kalamazoo, administrative assistant for the Selective Service at Eagle Pass Army Air Field in Texas, church secretary for Union Methodist Church in Parchment, Michigan, secretary for the School Board of Pinellas County in Clearwater, Florida, secretary at Sperry Rand Corporation, secretary at Honeywell, Inc., real estate salesperson for Realty World, Tri-Isles in St. Pete Beach, and finally, clerk of her church in Dunedin, Florida. Althea loved and appreciated her church friends. She always enjoyed being a member of each church that she attended throughout her life, most recently being a member of First Church of Christ Scientist in Clearwater, Florida. In addition, she was a lifelong member of The First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts. Hobbies have included playing the piano and ballroom dancing. She played the piano in the Sunday School at her church for the children when they sang hymns. She and her husband, Clifford, taught ballroom dancing in a non-professional capacity for many years, including at the St. Pete Beach Recreation Center, at the Moose Lodge of Clearwater (where they were members), and at On Top of the World Condominiums. They often participated in the Jesters Talent Shows at their condominium complex, dancing a favorite tango, waltz or rhumba. Althea lived a full and productive life and brought happiness and joy to many. She will be greatly missed.

ALTHEA PATTERSON

October 5, 1920 - December 25, 2018