Frankie Bouyer Patterson

Frankie Bouyer Patterson passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the age of 90. She was born on October 1, 1934, in Opelousas, Louisiana, where she grew up with her parents and two brothers surrounded by a small, tight-knit community.

Frankie attended Holy Ghost High School in Opelousas where she graduated valedictorian. After Holy Ghost, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, graduating Summa Cum Laude. While at Southern, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Frankie then moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan where she earned her Master’s Degree.

While at the University of Michigan, Frankie met her husband of almost 67 years–Willis C. Patterson. Frankie and Willis married on June 21, 1958, in her hometown where they bought a second home and visited yearly to enjoy time with family at Christmas. Her children continued the special tradition with their own families, the grandchildren always looking forward to hanging out with all the cousins.

Frankie was a career educator. She began as a professor of mathematics, teaching at both Southern University, Baton Rouge, and Virginia State College (now University) in Petersburg, Virginia. Willis and Frankie returned to Ann Arbor in 1968 where Frankie taught mathematics at Huron High School until she retired after decades devoted to her calling. She loved math and working with young people, and she continued to assist anyone who asked for help long after her retirement.

Frankie had a sustaining passion for the outdoors and, especially, for the family she cherished so deeply. She relished working in her yard, planting flowers, keeping the beach in Interlochen, Michigan, in pristine condition, taking care of her pets (and wildlife in her yard), and enjoying the company of her neighbors while walking or working outside. She loved listening to, and telling, family stories (she had an infectious laugh that punctuated the room). She shared the family’s passion for U of M sports and for music and enjoyed watching movies with all her grandchildren. Much time was also happily spent playing games, cooking her family members’ various favorite meals and cookies, and having her hair done by her granddaughters.

Frankie is preceded in death by her parents Elmae Pitre Bouyer and Frank Bouyer and her brothers Donald Bouyer and Lee Merrill Bouyer.

Frankie is survived by her husband Willis C. Patterson, children: Sharon, Kevin (Lara), and Shelia, bonus son Haleem Shaah (Mary), grandchildren: Casey, Lorena, Jeanne (Sharon); Tyler, Jared, Braden (Kevin); Kayla, Camryn (Shelia); Tenechia, Kenyatta, Opio, Sudani (Haleem) and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family would like to thank the staff at StoryPoint for the care and compassion they showed Frankie in her final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend services at First Congregational Church (608 E William Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104) on Monday, May 12, 2025, with visitation at 10 AM and service at 11 AM. A reception will follow the service. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Ann Arbor.

Memorial donations may be made to the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale.