Wanda Rose Patterson

Wanda was the daughter of a rice farmer and learned her talent for cooking from her mother of Cajun French descent. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a stay at home mom for many years, a baseball and football mom, later returned to her career as a banker, and after retirement became a nanny for two loving families. She was a member of Kingwood First Baptist Church where she enjoyed volunteering at the food pantry alongside her many friends.

A 1948 graduate of Kinder High School, Wanda was introduced to her husband-to-be Franklin “Pat” through a Railroad coworker of Pat’s in Kinder. They wed on October 16, 1954, and were happily married for 65 years. Her stories were always entertaining, such as meeting the soldiers arriving by train from Fort Polk for weekend USO dances, and her adventure traveling cross country by train to Chicago. She was often seen sitting on the porch of her family home drinking ice tea visiting with friends, and she continued that tradition throughout her life. A prankster at heart, she never missed an opportunity to play jokes on others, especially on April Fool’s Day. Her dear friend Jo Carol said Wanda’s driving skills assured they were never late to an event.

Wanda was a gifted baker. She was famous for her Mississippi Mud cake, Ranch cookies, Divinity candy, Pecan and Coconut pies, German Chocolate and Fruit Cocktail cakes, and much more. Dinner always included dessert, and everyone was welcome at her table. A woman of many words, she instilled life skills and a love for family in her six sons. She was extremely proud of the success of her boys as they became bankers, a lawyer, and entrepreneurs.

She is preceded in death by husband, Franklin Patterson, Sr.; son, Paul Alton Patterson; her parents, Mary Vernice and James Eugene Burleigh; brother, James Burleigh; and many other family members and friends.

She is survived by her sons, Franklin Patterson, Jr., wife Donna, Gary Patterson, Craig Patterson, wife Kelly, Scott Patterson, wife Debbie, John Patterson and wife Jamie; grandchildren, Franklin and Michelle Patterson III, John Augustus Patterson, Jill and Donald Jefferson, Garrett Patterson, Christopher Patterson, Kaitlyn Patterson, Connor Patterson, Brady Patterson, Mitchell and Tate Patterson, Jesslyn Patterson, Jacie Patterson, and Jenna Patterson; great grandchildren Fisher Patterson, Birdie Patterson, Pearl Patterson, Felicity Jefferson, Liam Jefferson, Shepherd Jefferson; brother, Russell Burleigh, and wife Nancy; sister-in-law, Mattie Jo Beeson, and husband Jack; along with several dear nephews and nieces.

The family would like to give a special mention to Wanda’s life long friend Frances Trammell and to her committed caregivers Phyllis Stevenson and Brenda Flinn who provided her with unwavering care and support throughout the past several years.

She will be dearly missed by all.

A visitation for Wanda will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 26, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A committal service will occur Friday, January 26, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Fwy, Houston, TX 77039.