THOMAS PATTERSON
Thomas Patterson was born on April 11, 1939, in Rembert, a son of Rosa Lee Patterson and Arthur Herrington, and departed this earthly life on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter.
Tom attended the public schools of Sumter County. He later moved to New York City, where he met and married Georgiann Vereen, who preceded him in death. Several years later, he met and married Elsie Ford. They were together for 42 years.
Tom worked for 30 years at Fleischer Frame in New York City. After retiring, he moved back to South Carolina and joined Union Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Willie Dennis. He sang with the gospel chorus. He was also elected a trustee and served until his health started failing.
He left to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Elsie; four sons, Floyd (Donna) of Gaffney, Adrian (Glynese) of Bronx, New York, Thomas of East Orange, New Jersey, and Dwayne of Brooklyn, New York; two daughters, Gretta Knight (Bruce) and Rachel Rooks; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three sisters, Katherine Thomas of Camden, Patricia of Brooklyn and Mary of Queens, New York; three brothers, Donald (Sylvia) of Rochester, New York, David (Ellen) of Rembert and James (Shirley) of Queens; one brother-in-law, Willie Ford (Elizabeth) of New York City, New York; two sisters-in-law, Juanita Green and Lucille Ronsby; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitations from 1 to 4 p.m. at the home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Union Baptist Church, 5840 Spring Hill Road, Rembert, with the Rev. Walter Roberson III, pastor, and the Rev. Marion O. Bennett, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Lugoff, eulogist.
The procession will leave the home at 10:20 a.m.
Burial will be in Union Baptist Churchyard Cemetery.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Online messages may be sent to the family at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com .