Josephine Grace Smith Patterson

Jo was born in Lima, Ohio on January 2, 1926 to Christopher Ira and Margaret Helen (Fisher) Smith.

Following graduation from Lima High School, Jo received a degree in elementary education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. She taught second grade in Pontiac, Michigan for several years before moving to Gulfport, MS, where she continued to teach for several more years. She met and married Charles Albert “Pat” Patterson, Jr. on July 17, 1954 at First Presbyterian Church in Gulfport.

Two years later they moved to Jackson, MS where they raised their four children. Jo was an active member of the PTA at Key Elementary, Peeples Junior High and Jim Hill High School, serving many roles, including President. She was an active member of Alta Woods Presbyterian Church, serving as an elementary Sunday School teacher and filling many roles in the Women in the Church. After the death of her husband in 1991, she helped form a widow’s support group within the Alta Woods Presbyterian church family. This special group of friends continues to fellowship together. Following her move to Clinton, she became a member of Providence Presbyterian Church.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister, Kathryn Smith Myers, brother-in-law, Jim Myers, and nephew, Mark Myers.

She is survived by her four children: Peggy Lieb (Sam) of Heath, Ohio, Rob Patterson (Susan) of Madison, MS, Kemp Patterson (Lynne) of Agawam, Massachusetts, and Ginny Mizelle (Bruce) of Clinton, MS; her 7 grandchildren: Chris Lieb (Sarah), Brian Lieb, Mandy McDonnell (Kevin), Alicia Patterson, Evan Patterson, Caitlyn Mizelle and Rebekah Mizelle; her 2 great-grandchildren: Maddie Lieb and Cedar McDonnell; nieces: Linda Fallon (Charlie) and Susan Carter, nephew John Myers (Venus), and their families.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home on Clinton Boulevard on Friday, February 11, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 3:30 with visitation from 2:00 – 3:30. Burial will immediately follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Equipping Leaders International.