Ann Blackwelder Patterson

Ann Blackwelder Patterson, 81, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 2, 2012. She was the daughter of the late Ferrell Edvin Blackwelder and Gatha Furr Blackwelder, of Concord, NC. Upon graduation from Concord High School in 1948 as valedictorian, where she received the school’s highest grade point average then recorded, she enrolled at Wake Forest College. She distinguished herself there as a Phi Beta Kappa, a member of Tassels Society, and a member of the A Cappella Choir. In 1963 she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

She married Grady Siler Patterson, Jr., in 1951 and upon moving to Raleigh in 1953 she accepted a teaching position in the Raleigh Public School system. During the years that followed, she was active in church life, teaching Sunday School classes and singing in the chancel choir of First Presbyterian Church and Providence Baptist Church. An avid player of duplicate bridge, she achieved the status of Gold Life Master.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Grady Siler Patterson, Jr.; son, Grady Siler “Pat” Patterson III, and wife Kim, of Raleigh; daughters, Jane Gudlaugsson and husband Mac, of Raleigh and Liz Fleming and husband Don, of Brevard, NC; grandchildren, Grady Siler “Dan” Patterson IV and wife Brook, Phillip Patterson, Matthew Gudlaugsson, Kelly Gudlaugsson, Loni Gaghan, Sean Gaghan, Lake Smith and husband Jeremy, Christie Lewis and husband Dan, and Josh Gaghan; great-grandchildren, Grady and Jack Smith; and other family and friends.

Ann was preceded in death by her sister, Irene Whitley, of Concord.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 7-9 PM at Mitchell Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 2 PM at the funeral home, with interment to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Falls River Court and Hospice of Wake County for the loving care given to Ann and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County – 250 Hospice Circle – Raleigh, NC 27609.