Imogene was born in Lovington, Illinois April 10, 1934, the daughter of

Corrine Ida Howard, and Everett Ross Howard. The second of eight children,

Imogene was an integral part in assisting her mother in the raising of her

younger siblings. As a wife, a homemaker, a devoted Bible student, a loving

mother and sister, she will be sorely missed.

 

She graduated Mt. Zion, Illinois HS in 1952. She met her lifelong partner

shortly thereafter in downtown Clinton, Illinois after a meeting at the

Kingdom Hall, and was married Sept 8, 1952 to Joseph D. Patterson of

Clinton, Illinois. Imogene had fiery red hair and an infectious smile for

everyone she met during her life. She always put others first, and their

happiness ahead of her own, all the while always exhibiting a kind, and

smiling disposition. It was said of her that she never argued with anyone,

maintaining that true caring and loving concern for all, even for strangers.

She loved children.

 

Imogene was deeply devoted to her heavenly father Jehovah God and his son

Jesus. She realized at a very young age she had a responsibility to give of

herself to others by preaching the "Good News of God's Kingdom" to

everyone she came in contact with. In 1948 she was baptized in a horse tank

on a farm in Clinton, Illinois as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, dedicating her

life to Jehovah God. In 1952 her husband refused military service because of

the command Jesus gave to 'Love One Another: and so she went with him to

Dixon, Illinois for 2 years where both of them worked in a mental facility

assisting the patients. In 1954 she volunteered with her husband as a Bible

educator in Greencastle, Indiana. Moving on to Paris, Illinois in 1958, she

continued to serve others in this life saving ministry. Having made a decision

to serve God with her husband who in 1958 became an ordained minister in

Paris, Illinois, she supported and engaged with him in the house to house

ministry work. She briefly worked outside the home at Zenith Corporation,

helping to supplement the family income. There in Paris, she raised two sons,

who she likewise taught from infancy Bible principles she held so dearly and

close to her heart. Her sons Ronal Joe Patterson of Hendersonville, NC, and

Kevin Lee Patterson of Port Saint Lucie Florida maintain the same spiritual

belief and faith she helped instill in them.

 

After moving to Vero Beach, Florida in 1979 Imogene and her husband

devoted 90 hrs. a month preaching door to door to people of the community

helping people to appreciate their loving heavenly Father and what He

promises for the human family in the future under His Kingdom. (Ps 37: 10,

11,29 Rev. 21:3,4 Isaiah 33:24)

 

Her husband continued to serve as a minister in Florida for many years.

In 1995 they relocated to Hendersonville, N.C and continued her service to

her grand creator.

 

Imogene was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Arlene

Harasymchuck and Helen Howard. Also preceding her in death was her

brother, David Howard. Surviving her is her loving husband of 64 years,

Joseph D. Patterson of Hendersonville, N.C Sons Ronal Joe Patterson and

wife Carina of Hendersonville, N.C and Kevin Lee Patterson of Port Saint

Lucie Florida and wife Susan. Grandchildren include Kyle, Cameron and

Carston Patterson. Her remaining siblings surviving include Jim Howard of

Clinton, Illinois, Ruth Turner of Charleston, Illinois, Nancy Robling of Decatur,

Illinois, and Betty Meyers of Missouri. Surviving are many nieces, nephews and

cousins as well.

 

Imogene knew that if she should fall asleep in death that Almighty God had

the power to resurrect her to a perfect paradise earth. (Acts 24: 15..... John

5:28,29). She was not afraid of death even though the Bible calls it our

greatest enemy. (1 Cor. 15:26) She knew that the Bible taught that death is

likened to sleep just like Lazarus who was in the grave. She was confident that

when it is God's time to awaken her she will 'come out' of the memorial tomb

as Lazarus did. She was aware this was a promise made by Jesus himself. She

knew this would happen under God's Kingdom the one she prayed for in the

Lord's Prayer. (Mat. 6:9, 10) She knew where she would be while sleeping in

the grave and what the Bible taught about death. (Eccl. 9:5, 10) (Job 14: 13)

Such strong faith in God's promises sustained her during her life and the

agonizing struggle she suffered at the end of her life.

As a family we are grateful for the loving support rendered by friends, family. and

those that truly cared. A memorial service remembering the life of our dear wife,

mother, sister. aunt, and friend will be held at the Fletcher Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's

Witnesses, 2375 Howard Gap Rd, Hendersonville, N.C. Saturday March 4 at 2:00 PM.

All are invited to attend.

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