Mary Elizabeth Patterson

Mary Elizabeth (Neville) Patterson passed away on October 28, 2019 in Damascus, Oregon at the age of 91. She was born in the middle of the night on May 31, 1928 at home in Stamford, Texas to her parents Adie and John Neville. During the Great Depression, the family traveled from town to town to pick cotton. Settling in Anson her father opened Neville’s Leather Shop, making boots and saddles, by the courthouse, and they lived in the rooms above the shop, until he purchased land and built a house off the highway between Anson and Abilene. Her older brothers, JW and Durwood, who were local football stars, adored her and lifted her to the stage when she was only 6 to do her tap routine, “School Days”. From a young age she studied the arts…Music, Poetry, and at Anson High School enjoyed the sciences… Biology and Chemistry. She was determined and knew where she was going, helping in the Dean’s office while attending College at Abilene Christian. It was there that Mary met Bill Patterson, Jr. She was a student/teacher to Bill, who had returned from WWII. She taught him Chemistry, and he led her in Bible Study. They fell in love and were married on June 15, 1950 in Anson, Texas. Mary graduated from Abilene Christian College in Texas in 1950. She was a member of the Church of Christ faith.

Mary and George started the first Bible Book Store in Dallas, Texas. There they began their family with son, Richard, and Mary worked in the Bookstore with toddler, a baby on her hip, and one on the way. Mary continued her teaching career, while Bill preached, wrote and studied. Later, they traveled throughout the country, holding Christian teacher workshops. She worked hard and loved God, who makes all life. She prayed daily, staying close to God.

Mary was a beloved school teacher for over 40 years, most recently at Columbia Christian School in Portland.

As a youngster Mary enjoyed tap dancing. Some of Mary’s interests included teaching children, leading school field trips, and going to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband George, son Daniel Durwood Patterson and her two brothers.

Mary is survived by son Richard Lee Patterson, of Sandy, Oregon, daughter, Prisca Marie Patterson Smith, Damascus, Oregon, son, Samuel James Patterson of Damascus, Oregon, plus her ten grandchildren; Cameron, Christopher, Lisa, Alan, Carla, Mandy, Daniel, Matthew, Tara and Megan plus many great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given to Columbia Christian School, 413 NE 91st Ave., Portland, Oregon 97220.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Metro Church of Christ located at 1525 NW Division St. in Gresham, Oregon 97030.