She was born November 6, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to parents Raymond Wesley Patterson and Cleo Verna (Allen) Patterson. She was the youngest of four, had two brothers Hubert and Johnny, and a sister Martha Jo.
On September 17, 1957 she married the love of her life: Msgt. Julian “Jim” Luis Fisher of the United States Airforce. Prior to marriage, Jim—who was an avid dancer—met Betty and her mother in a bar where he spent the evening trying to convince Betty to go dancing with him. She initially refused, but was later coerced by her mother and agreed. Because of this moment, and through their mutual love for dancing, they fell in love and developed a relationship that would last for over half a century. They were married for 49 years until Jim passed away in 2007.
Together Betty and Jim raised five children: Jimmy, Robert, Geneva, Dennis, and Kathleen. As a military family, they lived all over the world including Japan, Georgia, and Texas, but eventually settled down in Charlotte in the late 70’s. They enjoyed having cookouts with family and friends, traveling, and frequenting the local VFW (Post #9488). And, while they didn’t always see eye-to-eye, they had a love for each other that was loyal, adoring, and unyielding. Jim would often jokingly (and purposely) rile up Betty, and her response was usually what became known as her catchphrase: “Jiiiiiiim!” Friends and family knew it all too well.
More than anything else, Betty was a devout mother. As the matriarch of her family, she was an example of strength, compassion, and courage. She was a loving grandmother, and always put the needs of her family first.
She loved to create. Some of her many hobbies included: arts and crafts, sewing, and baking. Many that knew her loved her pound cakes and, during the holidays, her famous Russian Tea Cakes. She was skilled at quilting and making elegant Christmas ornaments.
Twice in her life, Betty beat breast cancer. She was a fighter who, even during the darkest of times, refused to give up on herself or anyone else. She was known for her generosity and volunteered regularly at the VFW. She was awarded the MOCA’s “Cooties” 500 Hour Pin—a testament to the time she spent caring for and assisting veterans in need. She was also president of the VFW’s Ladies Auxiliary in the 90’s.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Julian, sons Jimmy and Dennis, and grandson Robert Williams. She is survived by her brothers Hubert and Johnny, children Robert Fisher, Geneva Williams, and Kathleen DeCamp, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She will be missed dearly.
A private funeral for the family will be held at Wilson Funeral Home at 5301 Albemarle Rd. Charlotte, NC 28212 on Saturday May 15th, 2021 at 11:00am. Flowers may be sent to this location.
There will be a Celebration of Life following the funeral at VFW Post 9488 at 2831 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205 at 2:00pm, all are welcome to come.
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