Helen Marie Patterson

Helen Marie Patterson, 107, went home to be with the Lord Monday, January 22, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Sallateeska Baptist Church (45703 Garrett’s Lake Road, Shawnee, OK). The family will be available for visitation at the church immediately prior to the service. Helen Stout was born in Taloga, Oklahoma on September 11, 1916 to Charley Decatur Stout and Bertha Ferguson Stout. Because her mother died when she was five, Helen was raised by dear friends of her mother, Johnnie and Elin Hooton. Helen graduated from Taloga High School. She married Rev. Lester Patterson in June 1934. They were married for nearly 70 years until Lester was called to his heavenly home in March 2004. To this union, eight children were born, one son and seven daughters.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Lester Patterson; a daughter, Dot (Dorothy) Davis; and sons in-law: Magno Ortega, Jim Davis, Darl Henderson, James Goforth, Sr., and Ralph Greer.

Helen is survived by her beloved Sallateeska church family, her children: Mary Helen Ortega of Napa, California; Pat Henderson of Miami, Florida; Virginia Goforth of Rusk, Texas; Carol Greer of Hodgenville, KY; Rev. John Patterson and wife, Gail, of Florence, MS; Sarah Anders and husband, Mickey, of Lexington, KY; and Marti Johnson and husband, Jay, of Santa Fe, NM; grandchildren: Vanessa (Nilo) Mauricio, John Paul Ortega, Duane (Denise) Henderson, Sally (Victor) Mesa, Tamara (Rick) Robinson, Jim (Lisa) Goforth, Tom (Regina) Goforth, Tasha (Daniel) Risner, Robert (Karla) Greer, Amy Patterson, Andy (Crystal) Anders, Will Anders; 18 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren, and others who called her Mother, Grandma, and friend.

Helen served faithfully with her husband in his calling as pastor, missionary and bi-vocational minister in Oklahoma and Louisiana from 1934 to 2004. In 1968, Lester was appointed by the Home Mission Board (NAMB) to serve in Native American ministry in Oklahoma. Helen served alongside Lester as kindergarten teacher, VBS and Bible study teacher, missions leader, pianist, organist, and piano teacher. Helen spoke at World Missions Conferences throughout the U.S. about Native American work and needs in Oklahoma. She served as Women’s Missionary Union leader and officer for the Pottawatomie-Lincoln Baptist Association for 23 years. Helen completed many hours of Bible study courses and missions training, better preparing for her work. However, her roles as Mother, Grandmother, friend, and homemaker (who can forget her delicious homemade bread and cinnamon rolls?!) were what impacted our lives the most as she lovingly welcomed all to the Patterson home. We know too how faithful she was in praying for us.

After Lester’s passing in March 2004, Helen, 87 years old, joined Sallateeska Baptist in Shawnee, OK where she was a faithful member until her death. During that time, she played the piano and organ, hosted missions meetings, and taught children. Having a place of service was important to Helen. Because of the wonderful love and support from her church family, Helen (or Mrs. P as she was affectionately called) was able to continue to live in her Shawnee, OK home well past her 100th birthday. (Thank you, Sallateeska!)

Gifts in memory of Helen may be made to Sallateeska Baptist Church, 45703 Garrett’s Lake Road, Shawnee, OK 74804 for a walkway and prayer garden in memory of her on land adjoining the church or to the Lester and Helen Patterson Scholarship Fund, Oklahoma Baptist University, 500 W. University, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.