Christine Ann Patterson

Christine Ann Patterson was a fifth-generation African American native of Wilkes-Barre, PA, where she was born on September 9, 1949. She was the daughter of Stella T. Patterson and James Samuel Patterson. She formerly resided in Fort Wayne, IN, State College, PA, and Wilkes-Barre, PA. She earned a B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Organizations and an M.S. in Education with a concentration in Educational Development Strategies. Chris was a living example of the principles of discernment, courage, faith, integrity, social justice, and most importantly love.

Everyone that ever knew her has wonderful things to say about her as she brought so much joy and meaning to the lives she was blessed to know for years and those that she may have only met a few times. She was someone that both family and friends would turn to for guidance, her wealth of knowledge and wisdom, an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.

She had a servant-leadership heart and her career spanned 30 years in higher education as an Adjunct Professor and Director of Multicultural Affairs at both Pennsylvania State University – University Park for the School of Communications, and Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. Christine shared, “The kids I helped go to college were never encouraged to consider that they may be college material. I believe God called me to give them then the opportunity.” In retirement, she continued her love of teaching as a substitute teacher for Gwinnett County and Walton County Public Schools in Georgia.

Chris was a lifelong learner who incorporated her love of research in her decision to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was first encouraged to do so by her aunt Alice Patterson Patience and studied with sisters in Indiana and Georgia before dedicating her life to Jehovah through her baptism. Chris was a faithful member of the North Loganville, GA congregation, where she participated in meetings and her public ministry despite her health challenges.

She loved family traditions, but more importantly, for her daughters to understand the importance of carrying on the traditions. Christine enjoyed traveling, the arts, and spending time with family at the ocean. In her leisure time, Chris enjoyed reading, researching her family genealogy, and sharing how her ancestors contributed to American history.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother James S. Patterson, Jr., and her grandson, Malik I. Dufor. She is survived by her sister Alice L. Brutko and Michael T. Patterson, residents of Wilkes-Barre, PA, and Fishers, IN, respectively, and daughters, Waltrina E. DeFrantz-Dufor in Denver, CO, and Felicia V. Spade, and Amanda J. Howard in Loganville, GA. Christine’s grandchildren include Mikal T. Dufor, Jocelyn A. Spencer, and Samuel E. Seay.

She will be forever loved and missed after her unexpected passing on January 24, 2024.

A memorial will be held to celebrate the life of Christine Patterson on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at 1:30 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 2984 Etchison Rd, Loganville GA 30052.