Brenda Karen Patterson

Brenda Karen Patterson, age 76, of Carterville, passed away at 8:36 AM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

She was born Thursday, March 10, 1949, in Herrin, a daughter of William E. and Loudema "Sandy" (Wade) McSpadden. She married the love of her life, Dale Patterson, in Herrin, on September 21, 1969. He preceded her in death on Sunday, September 29, 2019.

Karen, a vibrant and loving spirit, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. A member of the Herrin United Methodist Church, Karen's passions were as varied as they were deep - she savored a good glass of wine, delighted in cooking, and found joy in creative pursuits like sewing, painting, and crafting. As a nurse in the special care nursery, Karen's heart shone bright, and she took immense pride in her work and her unwavering dedication to care for the tiniest lives. Karen's greatest joys, however, were her family and friends. She cherished her beloved dog, Lucy, and delighted in entertaining loved ones at her home, where laughter and good conversation flowed as freely as the wine. Karen was a force to be reckoned with - fiercely independent, unapologetically herself, and always speaking her mind. She loved traveling, trying new things, and living life on her own terms. Her sharp wit, quick humor, and sassy attitude made her a beloved friend, who will be missed dearly. Above all, Karen's life was a testament to her love for her husband, whose passing she never ceased to mourn. Her wish for her granddaughters was always for them to have the same type of marriage she and her husband had.

Special thank you to Residential Hospice for their care and compassion. The family is grateful for the love and care Karen received, particularly from her private caregivers, Debbie, Brittany, and especially Shanna Serles, whose loving care brought so much comfort in her final days and hours.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law- Jodi and Mike Seely of Herrin; three grandchildren- Ashley and Jason Rimini of Carterville, Kaci and Cody Jones of Carterville, Corie and Toby Coffey of Herrin; nine great grandchildren- Khloe Jones, Kalli Jones, Mason Rimini, Madeline Rimini, Avery Rimini, Rilyn Jones, Isaiah Rimini, Tanner Coffey and Elsie Coffey; sister- Lynn Foster of Carterville; brothers- Todd (Rhonda) McSpadden of Texas, Troy (Dyane) McSpadden of Colorado, and Tyler (Candice) McSpadden of Wyoming; sister-in-law- Dixie (Brad) Carter of Ramsey, IL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins including one special niece- Angel (Eric) Peterson of Georgia; special friends- Mona and Sam Shemwell of Herrin; goddaughter- Stephanie Shemwell-Voss of Herrin; and her beloved dog- Lucy.

She is preceded in death by her husband- Dale Patterson, her parents and step-parents- Loudema "Sandy" and Jack Smith and William and Jeannie McSpadden; great granddaughter- Sophie Coffey, and her godson- Brett Shemwell.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial services will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Her goddaughter, Rev. Stephanie Shemwell-Voss, will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in St Louis in honor of her great grandchildren, Madeline and Mason Rimini and Tanner Coffey. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the services or by mail to: Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; PO Box 429; Herrin, IL 62948.

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.