Carolyn Denise Patterson 71, a beloved mother, grandmother,sister, auntie,cousin, and friend, passed away on Thursday March 23, 2023.

On April 13, 1951 Carolyn was born in Cairo, IL. She was born to young teenagers Clara Lee Patterson and Jerry A. Kilgore. Carolyn was delivered by a midwife rather than at the segregated hospital where Black patients were restricted to the screened in back porch.  Unfortunately, Carolyn’s mother, Clara Lee  died giving birth.  Carolyn’s struggle for breath in the womb left her scarred for life. Carolyn was raised by her late maternal grandmother Maggie Lee Patterson. 

Carolyn was educated through South Bend Community School Corporation graduating from Central High School. She worked many years for the South Bend Silver Hawks before she retired. She was a lifelong resident of the Northside. Carolyn received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and continued her walk of faith until the end. 

Survivors left to cherish her memory include two daughters Rosie M. Brantley of Fayetteville, TN and Treasa R. Shorter of South Bend, IN. Five grandchildren Christopher Owens IN, Lynette (Darryl) Gooden of Indianapolis, IN, Kanisha Brantley, and Tom (Hellen) Walker III of South Bend , IN.  11 great-grandchildren, four sisters, Deborah J. Williams of Indianapolis, IN, Regina A. (Robert) Nance of Charlotte, NC, KimBerly K. Kilgore of South Bend, IN, and Tina L. (Darrin) Taylor of Evans City, PA. Three brothers Millard J. Williams, Jr. of Los Angeles, CA, Glenn E. Williams of Dothan, AL, and Andrew L. Williams of South Bend, IN. Special loved ones Linda Kendrix  Burroughs, Deborah Dickinson, Steven Dickinson, Lenora Wade, Shawanda Wade, Montrea Wade, Donna Wright, Mike Smith (Hollie), Kenny Alexander, Symone (Jamarion & Stevie) Jones, Shelia Smith, and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Clara Lee Patterson and Jerry A. (Earlene R.) Kilgore. Maternal grandmother Maggie Lee Patterson. One son Joseph Lee, Brantley, Jr., Her favorite Aunt State Rep. Mae Dickinson, and a host of family and friends.

Forever in our hearts.

Services for Ms. Patterson will be held on Monday April 3, 2023 at 4 P.M at New Horizons Outreach Ministries, 56165 Mayflower Road, South Bend, Indiana 46619. Apostle Dennis Givens will bring the word. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior. Arrangements have been entrusted with Alford’s Mortuary Inc

04/04/2023 JFC