Frances Patterson - Obituary

rances Bernice Patterson (Aldridge), fondly known as “Bertsie”, daughter of the late Jennie and Zebedee Aldridge, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2020. She was 95 years young. Bernice was born and raised in Brunswick County, Virginia where she was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. She studied at St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia for a short time and later moved to Washington, DC to live with her eldest sister Grace. After relocating to DC, she was introduced to her husband, the late Leonard Patterson “Bill/Pat”. They married in August 1949 and were blessed with three children. Throughout the years, Bernice continued to attend church regularly and found a new church home, Unity Baptist Church, Washington, DC, which she joined in March 1989. Bernice was a very active member and her church family remained an important part of her life up until her death. Bernice had a passion for cooking, entertaining, traveling and spoiling her grandchildren. Most will remember her for the fried chicken, potato salad, Brunswick Stew, and her homemade vanilla ice cream. Bernice would task her children with stirring the cream constantly to make sure it didn’t stick to the pan. She also enjoyed preparing and selling dinners out of her home. One thing was guaranteed, you never went hungry at the Patterson residence. Bernice didn’t let too much grass grow under her feet. She, Bill and the family frequently went back to her hometown to visit family and friends. She made a point to attend Piney Grove’s annual homecoming up until her mobility declined. She also enjoyed visiting her father-in-laws beach home in Mill Point Shores, Chaptico, Maryland. It was extra exciting because they had a couple of slot machines at a nearby clubhouse. She especially liked to play the nickel machines. Bernice, without thinking twice, would gather with friends and family for an evening of Whist (card game) which transitioned to Bid Whist as the years went on. Bill was typically her partner, but if she wasn’t pleased with his card playing techniques, watch out, she sought a new partner and laughed about it all night. Bernice enjoyed playing games of chance. She and Bill would occasionally sneak off to Atlantic City & Foxwoods Casino with cousins, Ernest & Wannetta and they would spend hours enjoying each other’s company. Cruising and traveling to cities such as New York City, St. Louis and Las Vegas were also something Bernice enjoyed. She always traveled with Bill, but occasionally, the kids and grandkids went too. Bernice affectionately reminisced about her trip to Germany. Her son, Eric, invited her to tour Germany and Italy while he was completing an assignment overseas. She had an awesome time and spoke about how that was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Bernice was most passionate about her children and grandchildren. She absolutely adored her grandchildren as they simply lit up her world. When the grandkids would visit, she always asked them if they were hungry. Usually they were, making their parents look bad, but she was determined to fix them a favorite dish while watching an episode of the Wheel of Fortune. She also made sure the meal ended with something sweet which was grandpop’s job. She was a woman who enjoyed life and always wanted to bring joy to others. “Bertsie’s humor and loving spirit will be truly missed. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Bill and daughter, Karen Renee Gibson. She is survived by her children Leonard Eric Patterson of Brandywine, Maryland, Kim P. Ross of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, grandchildren, Eric D. Patterson (Michele), Jaren R. Patterson (Candice), Christopher E. Gibson, Erica D. Patterson, Meghan V. Patterson, Daniel E. Ross, great-granddaughter Kaya Patterson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.