She is the daughter of the late James and Ella Stafford of Kingsport, Tennessee. She is preceded in death by husband Henry Patterson, Sr. and daughter-in-law Adrienne Patterson.
Mrs. Helen accepted Christ at an early age, she was a devoted member of Asbury North United Methodist Church and served on numerous committees within the United Methodist Church. She started the first Head Start Program in Kingsport, Tennessee.
When she arrived in Columbus, she began working for the Head Start Program at Milo Grogan. She became the Director at Inner Urban Day Care.
She is survived by 4 sons, Henry Patterson Jr. (Sue), Michael Patterson (Scherry), Robert Patterson, and Tracy Patterson; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild; 2 sisters-in-law, Barbara Patterson and Pauline Armstrong; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family will receive friends Monday, February 1, 2010 at the Asbury North United Methodist Church, 1586 Clifton Avenue, Columbus, at 10 A-M until time of service, 11 A-M. Rev. Greg Herndon, officiating. Interment: Glen Rest Memorial Estate.
Arrangements entrusted to SMITH MORTUARY, 2830 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Ohio.
Published in The Columbus Dispatch on January 30, 2010
