Mary H. Patterson

'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Matthew 25:21

Mary H. Patterson was born on April 25th in Sumter, South Carolina, the youngest of three daughters of the late Annie Herriott Banks and John Herriott, Sr. She attended Lincoln High School in Sumter and completed her high school education at Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from City College of New York and, in pursuit of her unending desire for knowledge, was currently pursuing an advanced degree at Lehman College in the Bronx.

After high school, Mary married William H. Patterson and from this union they were blessed with one daughter, Yolanda Marie. Following divorce, Mary embraced single motherhood with open arms and earned a bachelor’s degree from City College of New York. Mary later met her life partner and love, Nelson A. Vaughn, with whom she shared many years of affection and adventure.

Mary began her career in the Brooklyn Public Library System and followed her passion for assisting others into the field of Human Resources. She held Human Resources manager and director positions at Kemper Insurance, Miracle Makers Inc., and the Association for Energy Affordability, Inc.

Family was an intrinsic part of Mary’s life. Her daughter, Yolanda, meant the world to her and becoming a grandmother to Logan and Cole provided endless joy and pride. Mrs. P. was “Mother” to many surrogate children. When Yolanda embraced her younger sister, Lauryn, into her life, Mary welcomed Lauryn as her own granddaughter. She generously shared love and devotion with those in her life, whether related by blood or not. Mary loved taking care of those she loved.

Mary was a devout Catholic whose faith was paramount. She was a parishioner of The Oratory Church of St. Boniface. Her commitment and love of God was unwavering and guided her path each and every day.

Mary’s smile, laughter and infectious spirit always served as inspiration to everyone she encountered. She was a beacon of light and joy in any room she entered and her willingness to provide encouraging words, levity and guidance made her invaluable to countless lives. Mary was known for her amazing character, her unwavering high standards, impeccable sense of fashion, feistiness and sharp wit. (We have all experienced “The Look.”) Her laughter and enthusiasm for life were contagious. Her friends knew that she was always available for an adventure, whether at 6:00 in the evening or 3:00 in the morning, with her famous words “Let’s Go!”

On Monday evening, March 11, 2019, while gladly assisting a friend, Mary unexpectedly departed this earthly world.

She leaves to mourn with loving memories: her daughter, Yolanda Marie (David) Soto; three grandchildren, Logan, Cole and Lauryn; five siblings, John (Lucinda) Herriott, Alexander (Claretha) Herriott, both of Sumter, SC, Leroy (Josephine) Harriott of Woodbridge VA, Jeffrey (Annette) Herriott of Savannah GA, James (Stephanie) Herriott of Roseville, CA, and Dianne (Fred) Jeter of Sumter, SC; nieces, Gwendolyn Manning Hiers and Linda Manning (Albert) Hawkins; nephew, Samuel Manning Jr.; many more nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, cousins and a host of relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Laura Manning and Anne Herriott Scott, and her life companion, Nelson A. Vaughn.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10