House Resolution 5

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, LEGACY AND SERVICE OF KOSCIUSKO NATIVE AND RETIRED UPSTANDING BUSINESS WOMAN, MRS. MARY KATHERINE PATTERSON, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Mary Katherine Patterson, born on January 24, 1922, in Attala County, Mississippi, the fourth of six children of the late Ebon and Lettie Ward, departed this earthly life on Wednesday, August 4, 2010, to enter into eternal rest with her Heavenly Father, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, a Kosciusko native and business woman for more than 50 years, Mrs. Patterson, remembered for the contributions she made through her service to the community and to her church, was involved in the daily operation of Patterson Jewelers, Inc., a business she helped establish with her husband, the late Jack Patterson, until her retirement; and

WHEREAS, active in the Mississippi Jewelers Association, having served on the board of directors, she also continued the Ward family's legacy by being one of the four generations of her family to have served as president of the association and was vested with the Lifetime Membership Award in 2005; and

WHEREAS, the first-ever female recipient of the Jeweler of the Year in 1981-82 and selected as the Working Woman of the Year in 2000, Mrs. Patterson remained true to her resolve of committed service throughout Attala County, as president of the Kosciusko-Attala Chamber of Commerce, Kosciusko Heritage Foundation and Tourism Committee and was instrumental in the building of the visitors center on the Natchez Trace Parkway; and

WHEREAS, equally dedicated to her spiritual and Christian duty, she was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church and served in various capacities over the years; and

WHEREAS, though her life's journey has drawn to an end as she has traversed the river of life to now stand upon golden heavenly shores to rest eternally from the labors and perils of life, the legacy of her memory will thrive in the hearts and memories of her survivors: sons, Pat, Ray and Jimmy Patterson; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Inez; brothers, John Morris Ward and Douglas Lowery Ward; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a notable and inspirational icon of Kosciusko and Attala County, such as Mrs. Patterson, whose life was indicative of Christian compassion and sincere humility:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life, legacy and services of Mrs. Mary Katherine Patterson and extend deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Patterson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.