Sister Clara Ester Patterson "Big Ma" 86, passed away on February 15, 2019.  Visitation, February 22, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and the service will be Saturday, February 23, with a viewing from 10:00 - 10:55 a.m., all at Summerfield Baptist Church 1383 Boxwood St., Memphis, TN 38108.  Interment in Mason Cemetery Somerville, TN.

Sister Paterson was born May 24, 1932 in Mason, TN to Gilbert and Acie Burrow.  Clara was united in Holy Matrimony to Eddie Patterson Jr. in Mason, TN in 1948 and the family moved to Memphis in 1952.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Eddie Patterson, Jr., sons David Lee Patterson and Richard B. Patterson; sisters, Hartense Williams, Eula McCoy, Pearline King, and Lillie Frances Dye.  Brothers, Milton, Jessie, Elmoties and J.D. Burrow.

Clara accepted Christ at an early age and united with Summerfield M.B. Church upon her move to Memphis under the leadership of Rev. Leon Brookins where she remained faithful until her health declined.

Clara loved cooking and was an integral member of the kitchen committee and her cooking was enjoyed by all.

Clara joined her husband in Patterson's Grocery when his health started to deteriorate.  Her Love for cooking led to the opening of Patterson's Deli.  She worked for a while at Primary Prep Day Care and after the birth of her great-grandchildren she opened Big Ma's Daycare where she assisted many other families with the care of their children.

Clara leaves to cherish her loving memories: Five children all of Memphis; Eva (Jimmie) Coleman, Robert (Linda) Patterson, Rev. James Paterson, Eugene Patterson, Martha Rachelle Patterson.  Step-Children; James Becton, Betty Golden and Martha Plummer.  Nineteen grandchildren:  Sonya (Delroy) Jones, Stacie (John) Booker, Eddrick Watson, Sirr Guy(Gabriella) Shakir, Dornie (Charles) Williams, Dayna Branch, Monica (Yorel) Weakley-Allen, Robert Patterson II, April ( David Davenport, Desmond (Angel) Patterson, Marlon (Candace) Patterson, Jimeka (Randall) Becton, Eddrick Mann, LaTrina (Reginald) McGhee, Timothy Patterson, Emmanuelle Patterson, LaMitchell Patterson, Bridget Patterson, and Danielle Spencer.

Jefferson Mortuary Inc.

7788 Church St.

Millington, TN 38053

901-872-8800 Office

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