Beverly J Patterson

Born December 18, 1935 in East Peoria to Henry and Lucille (Chapman) Worton, she married Harley F. Patterson on February 20, 1954. He died in March 2007 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Robert Miller; step-mother, Gwendolyn Worton; one step-sister; and one grandchild, Travis J. Patterson.

Surviving are one daughter, Kitty Patterson of Pekin; three sons, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Patterson of Creve Coeur, Thomas (Linda) Patterson of Delavan and James Patterson of Pekin; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and one brother, James P. (Penny) Worton of Davenport, Iowa.

She had attended school in East Peoria. She met the love of her life and married Harley Patterson at the age of 18. Beverly completed her GED as an adult, after raising her and Harley’s four children.

Bev was a cosmetologist at Sadler’s. She then worked at Bergner’s in the Pekin Mall as a beauty consultant. Later in life she worked for Pekin Public Schools District 108. Throughout Bev’s life she enjoyed singing, dancing caregiving for all animals. She also enjoyed cross country motorcycling with her husband Harley and Clog dancing with her grandchildren. She was also a Cub Scout leader alongside Harley, he was the Boy Scout leader. After retirement Bev became involved with the Native American Fellowship. She and her husband devoted the remaining years of their life in service work for the Native American people. She helped build the Day Spring Native American United Methodist Church in East Peoria, where she was a member. Bev was taught the native way of medicine from her father and grandmother. She kindly shared her healing with many of the congregation. She loved to do beautiful seed bead work, as well as paint and sketch free hand. She was a lovely, giving woman to all. Her kindness and love touched many hearts.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2016 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Danira Parra will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com