Sharon Marie Patterson

Sharon met the love of her life, Herman, at Cahokia High School and they were wed on April 19, 1975 in Centreville, IL. Sharon was a devout Christian and above all else, she treasured spending time with her family. She enjoyed fishing at her pond, playing Bingo, canning goods, and going to yard sales with her granddaughter. She was a selfless person, often donating her time to the Smithton Senior Center and the community garden in Freeburg, as well as delivering meals to families in need. Before retirement, Sharon worked as a medical claims specialist for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Healthlink in St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lavona B. (nee Henry) Tankersley.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of nearly 48 years, Herman Gayle Patterson Jr., her daughter, Melissa Jean (Scott) Kalina, her grandchildren, Scott Harold Kalina Jr., Alexander “Xander” Scott Kalina, and Mackenzie Jean Kalina, her siblings, William Harley (Donna) Tankersley Jr., Terry Wayne (Debbie) Tankersley, Karen Sue (Jerry) Hight, Willie Ray Tankersley, Minnie Lavona Conway, and Etta June (Joe) Lankin, plus numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Sharon was an incredibly strong willed, loving, and charitable woman who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

The family would like to express their gratitude to April Statler, Sharon’s nurse from BJC Hospice, and the staff of the 9800 floor in Barnes-Jewish Hospital for the excellent care they provided. They would also like to thank Father Von for his continued spiritual support.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: A service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 24, 2023 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Von Deeke to officiate. Interment to follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Sharon’s family at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com.