Willa Deen Patterson

Posted on February 23, 2024

Willa Deen Patterson, 88, passed away on Feb. 20, 2024, in Perry.

She was born Oct. 3, 1935, in Steinhatchee to James Ervin Johnson and Lettie Estelle Chewning Johnson.

Willa Deen was a Baptist and a member of Baptist Purity Church.

She worked with the Taylor County School Board System for 40 years as a bus driver.

She was a music lover and played numerous instruments, and taught music lessons. But most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Willa Deen was preceded in death by: her parents, James Ervin Johnson and Lettie Estelle Chewning Johnson; her husband for 43 years, Herbert Lee Patterson Sr.; her brother, Curtis; and four sisters, Myrtle, Idalu, Annette and Alene.

She is survived by: her son, Herb Patterson; her daughter, Joy Patterson; her two sisters, Nina and Gladys; her three brothers, James, Earl J. and W.C.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Feb. 22, at noon at Salam Baptist Purity Church with the Rev. Richard Joyner officiating. Interment services will follow in Waters Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service.

All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.