Mr. Willie Isiah Patterson

January 27, 1935 - June 6, 2022

Condolences are being expressed to the family of Mr. Willie Isiah Patterson, age 87, who passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022, at Duke Regional Hospital. Willie Isiah Patterson was born to the late William and Ida Johnson Patterson on January 27, 1935, in Durham, North Carolina. He departed this life on Monday, June 6, 2022. Willie grew up in the Crest Street community, best known as “Hickstown”, and was educated in the Durham Public School System, where he excelled academically. At an early age, he joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and became a deacon, a position that he served for many years. He graduated from Hillside High School. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and received many accolades in his military tenure where he served for 21 years. While serving our country, he taught Defense Intelligence at the Pentagon. After retiring from the military, Willie began his college career at North Carolina Central University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Political Science in 1979. Willie then began working at Duke University as a business agent for local 77. He later became a supervisor in ground and facilities management. He then matriculated to an operations manager position in Environmental Services which he held until his retirement. One of his greatest accomplishments was being instrumental in helping fight winning against the department of transportation and saving Hickstown, now known as the new Crest Street community. He also served as President of the Crest Street Community Council for 40 years, and through his hard work he earned the privilege of being honored for winning the Susan B. Reynolds Award for community service. He also won the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award through the city of Durham and the Crest Street Recreation Center was named the Willie I. Patterson Recreational Center in honor of his dedication and hard work along with others in the community. Willie was also President of the Bull City Golf Club and chair of the Brotherhood at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. He leaves to cherish his memory five children, Ronald Patterson of Durham, N.C., Linda Terrell (Ronald) Mitchellville, MD, Kathy Patterson of Durham, N.C., Audrey Odom (Ronald) of Durham, N.C. and Donzell Patterson of Durham, N.C.; 12 grandkids, Desmond Patterson, Anthony Patterson, Courtnée Patterson, Kimberlée Patterson, LaRonda Terrell, Joshua Hill, Warner Smith, Brandon Graham, NaQurah Savie Thompson, Ryan Odom, Ronald Wayne Odom, Jr. and Miles Patterson; 12 great grandkids; one sister, Martha Lee Bason of Durham, N.C. Willie was also preceded in death by his wife Annie Louise Pratt Patterson, brothers, Willard Johnson, Arthur Patterson, William Patterson and Robert Patterson. Also, one grandson Josh Hill. Viewing for Mr. Willie Isiah Patterson will take place on Monday, June 13, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701. Public Viewing for Mr. Willie Isiah Patterson has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2022, from 12:00 noon until 1:15 p.m., at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 2508 Crest Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707. A Graveside Service of Celebration has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Durham, North Carolina 27707, at 2:00 p.m.