Nancy Jane Patterson

Nancy was a 1949 graduate of Druid Hills High School in Decatur, Georgia then attended Wesleyan College at Emory University in Macon, Georgia. She went on and obtained her masters of music from the University of Houston and then earned her teaching certificate in 1953.

It was during her time at the University of Houston, that Nancy met Henry Barto “Pat” Patterson Jr., at her home while planning of Frontier Fiesta at U of H. Nancy and H.B. were married on the 20th of November 1953.

Nancy was a talented pianist and taught piano lessons. She was an organist and pianist at church and made many wonderful memories playing the piano at home for her family. She was a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church where she was active with the Genesis class.

Nancy was past-president of the Phi Mu Sorority Houston Chapter, past-president of Houston Panhellenic, Houston Phi Mu Alumnae and lunch bunch, a volunteer with the Blue Bird Circle, a patron of the Junior League of Houston, a supporter of the Brookwood community, a member of the Houston Museum of Natural Science Guild, honorary member emeritus of the Houston Panhellenic and Panhellenic Citation Member.

Nancy’s passions were family, friends, social activities, parties, volunteering, travel, music, gardening and reading. Family was very important to Nancy and her life centered around such, she dedicated a lot to family get-togethers, celebrations, and holidays. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family to Colorado - Snowmass, Aspen, Estes Park, Breckenridge, Wyoming – Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole and the Texas Hill Country spending time at their place in Lakeway. She loved gardening and spent a great deal of her time growing and picking roses and loved pink carnations, her Phi Mu Sorority flower as well as bluebonnets in the Texas Hill Country. Nancy was an avid reader and also loved playing bridge with other couples.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, H.B. Patterson Jr.; son, Frederic “Fred” Patterson , daughter, Marjory “Margie” Jane Wedemeyer and husband, Richard David Machain; grandson, Howard Barkley Wedemeyer, Jr., granddaughter, Allison Jane Offterdinger; and great grand-daughter, Olivia Jane Offterdinger. Other survivors include her best friend and Phi Mu Sorority sister, Kaye Hill-Birkholz , longtime friends, Harris and Lottie Smith, Jerry and Mary Lou Sanders, Bette Shumake, and her Phi Mu Sorority Sisters, Carol Coleman, Gayle Laminack, Janie Moore, Sharon Stayley and Artie Crawford.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Houston Hospice – Blue Team for the loving care given to Nancy.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 27th of May, in the parlor and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 28th of May 2014 in the chapel of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston, where Rev. Wick Stuckey, Pastor of Caring Ministries, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family in a reception to be held in the fellowship hall.

Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street, Houston, TX 77024 or the charity of one’s choice.