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Karen L. Patterson (Garrett)
Karen L. Patterson (Garrett)
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Karen Patterson (Garrett) Obituary
Karen's spirit was strong but body weak. She transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord and her ancestors on August 18, 2024.
Karen L. Patterson was born on March 25, 1956, in Los Angeles, CA. She was the 2nd of two children born to beloved parents, Aldrich and Siddie Patterson. She was very close to her brother Aldrich Jr. (Pat) and her parents who she loved dearly.
From an early age Karen was raised in the church and professed her belief and love of God. She attended Trinity Baptist Church in Los Angeles.
Karen received her formal education at Dorsey High School, Los Angeles, CA and continued her higher education at the University of California Santa Barbara and the University of California Los Angeles. She received her Teaching Certification as she found she had a calling to serve the youth in her community.
Karen reunited with her childhood friend and sweetheart, Leon Garrett Jr and were united in holy matrimony on July 17, 1999. They celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on July 17, 2024. Their love was one marveled and revered by their family and friends as they were so close and loved each other very much. They resided in Seattle, WA and had recently retired and moved to Roswell, GA to start their new adventure.
During Karen's journey in life, she worked for British Airways and was a published songwriter of spiritual and original songs. Her calling, however, was as a Teacher with the Seattle Public Schools where she worked with Administrators and Staff, taught US History, Critical Thinking, and English. She had a profound impact on her students as many went on from her class to finish college and accomplish their goals in life.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Aldrich and Siddie Patterson and her brother, Aldrich Jr. (Pat).
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Leon Garrett Jr and a host of family and friends who will keep her in their hearts forever.
Karen will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 1PM
Garden of Melody, Inglewood Park Chapel
720 East Florence Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jacqueline Garrett
March 25, 2025
My Sweet Karen, Happy Heavenly Birthday! Thinking of you on your birthday and missing you so much! Love, Your Sis-in-Law Jacqueline
"Oh No"
December 18, 2024
The Prophet - "On Friendship," By Kahlil Gibran
"And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship.
And he answered, saying:
Your friend is your needs answered.
(S)he is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And she is your board and your fireside.
For you come to her with your hunger, and you seek her for peace.
When your friend speaks her mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay."
And when she is silent your heart ceases not to listen to her heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in her may be clearer in her absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.
And let your best be for your friend.
If she must know the ebb of your tide, let her know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek her with hours to kill?
Seek her always with hours to live.
For it is hers to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."
Karen turned me onto this poet when we were students at Dorsey.
A few years ago when we reconnected after life had done what it does, she told me that she "loved being married," and I told her I was so happy for her that "she found her Prince Charming."
Keeping you in prayer, Leon, and her legions of cousins and other family. Missing my friend.
"Oh No"
Ronda Winfield
October 13, 2024
Karen worked with my husband David at Aki Kurose Middle School Academy. She was so very kind. What I remember most were her cooking skills. She was an exceptional cook. She gave me the secret spices to make collard greens pop. She could burn. I last saw her when she, Leon, David, and I had brunch at her place. She was such an amazing person and we will all miss her glowing presence. Rest well my friend.
Lawrence Garrett
October 12, 2024
My heart. My safe space. My dear Aunt Karen. I still struggle with the words to describe what you mean to me. You provided a love that I didn´t know I was missing. You provided a nurturing space where my heart felt at rest in your presence. Your discerning heart, your thoughtful words, your challenging honesty, your loving smile and humor... I will miss it all. Love you and there´s a piece of me now gone too. Love you eternally.
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Leon Garrett
October 2, 2024
One of my first and favorite memory of my Auntie is on her wedding day.
I was appointed as her ring bearer and she was full of joy and happiness. She was so excited to be marring her best friend smiling cheek to cheek. It was also a crazier reception with all of us dancing on the dance floor.
I admired her humble and loving spirit that she showed to all of us. Whenever she was present I felt warmth, love, and peace. Also she always had helpful tips and always had a way of making me laugh.
I will truly miss her.
RIP KAREN
LOVE,LEON
Kenny Randle
October 2, 2024
Karen was a very great friend going back to our college days... she loved sports,, poetry, music, writing, family and her God ! Although she was soft-spoken by nature, she never backed down on what she believed was right. Karen was indeed a champion for others and in life.
Leon, our prayers are with you and the family, knowing that Karen´s light, and spirit will live on through you and the many others that she touched in this world !
Kenny Randle
Doris Schwiegk
September 29, 2024
We shall miss you much Cuz KP. Always so positive and joyful! Our deepest condolences and sweet memories to you Leon!
Love Cuz DD and Gunter
Lawrence and Edna Garrett
September 28, 2024
My Dear beautiful friend and sister-in-law Karen has SUBLIMATED up and through the Door of ETH (DEaTH) back to God's REALITY. I know your reunion with all your loved ones who preceded you is the GREATEST PARADISE there is. You will always be loved and never forgotten.
Love,
Lawrence and Edna
Daniel Cooper Junior (Garrett)
September 21, 2024
Daniel Cooper Junior (Garrett)
September 21, 2024
Daniel Cooper Junior (Garrett)
September 21, 2024
My number one music supporter is gone. Aunt Karen knew what it meant to be in the music business and how important the feeling of true support is. Not fake support. It means alot. It will be fun in heaven working and doing music with many of my music friends i lost over the years! Nothing but hits! Love u...Aunt Karen.
Susan Pinder
September 20, 2024
To the Garrett Family,
My prayers and condolences in this time of loss. Jacqueline, my Sister-Friend has shared many wonderful memories of their relationship with her Sister Karen, and the love they shared.
Again, sorry for your loss. God bless you all Garrett Family.
Susan Pinder
Ron Hodge
September 16, 2024
My deepest heartfelt condolences. Peace be with you, Ron
Irma Garrett
September 15, 2024
My Dearest Daughter-in-Law, Karen. You are so special to our family and thank you for all your love for my son, Leon. "May this tree symbolize our love to hold memories of Karen always and forevermore." Love, Your Mother-in-Law, Irma Garrett
Cecil Charles
September 15, 2024
Planting this tree in honor of my sister-in-law, Karen. "Just as this tree will bloom and grow, so will our memories of Karen continue to flourish." Love, BIL Cecil
Jacqueline Garrett
September 15, 2024
This tree is a tribute to my sweet sister-in-law, Karen. "May the roots of this tree grow deep, just like the impact Karen had on our lives." Rooted in our hearts forevermore. Love, Jacqueline
Alicia Tolbert
September 14, 2024
Karen was a smart as a whip joy to be with. I am so thankful we got to talk over the past year about life and family. Rest well, my dearheart and say hello to Pat, Siddie and my Dad.
Phyllis Y Garrett
September 12, 2024
Hey Kay-Kay. It's been awhile, but I am missing the /Bodhi tree field trips, the game of knowing, working out, and long conversations about life and its meaning to each of us. I have planted a tree in your name. Go with the wind. Tell Daddy I said hi, and give him a basketful of kisses from me. May your peace be with your Dad, Mom, and Brother. Love you much! The Girl with the 2nd Biggest Head. Blessed Be.
Debbie Carson
September 9, 2024
I am sure my dearest Cousin Karen is in the arms of Our Lord and Savior may she now rest in peace . I will always live her! I want to express my condolences especially to Leon and all who mourn her. Peace be with you all!
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