Joyce Patricia Patterson

Patricia Keith Patterson, 84, of Monticello, Florida, passed away December 21, 2025, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
Patricia was born July 7, 1941, in Forrest City, North Carolina, to the late The Rev. A. M. Keith and Ruby P. Keith. The family later moved to Monticello, where she graduated from Jefferson County High School in 1959. She attended Florida Southern College and Florida State University, graduating in 1962. She began her teaching career in Pelham, Georgia. In 1966, she returned to Monticello to teach at Monticello Elementary, and later at Aucilla Christian Academy, where she spent more than 3 decades teaching multiple generations of fifth graders.
Patricia was married to the late William R. (Sonny) Patterson for 50 years. In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her sister, Katheryn (Kay) Cox; and her nephew, Keith Reams. Survivors include her children Peggy Patterson Leonard (Brian), W. Jack Patterson (Leigh), Susan Patterson Seibert (Les), Van M. Patterson (Linda), and Katheryn Patterson Shinn (Chris). She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Lauren, Abigail, Susannah, Anna, Zachary, Vaden, Ella, Ashley, Sloan, Shea, Sara, Evan and Hallie; 5 great-grandchildren: Lily, Oliver, Hansie, Hattie, and Julia; her sister, Ann Keith; nephew David Cox, (Lisette); nieces Caroline Cox and Jamie Reams; and great niece, Katheryn Cox.
Patricia's love of music began in elementary school and continued throughout her life, including her days in the marching band. There were other musical accomplishments spanning more than 70 years, but the one she cherished most was serving as the organist at Christ Episcopal Church in Monticello for more than 65 years. She loved her church family and they loved her.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 425 N. Cherry Street, Monticello.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Christ Episcopal Church.