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Church of God in Christ evangelist Louise Dowdy Patterson, 84, widow of former Presiding Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson, died at her Memphis home on Nov. 20, per several media outlets.
The co-founder with her husband of the Temple of Deliverance/Bountiful Blessings Ministry, Patterson “served millions and impacted countless lives!” says her pastor, Bishop Milton R. Hawkins of the Temple of Deliverance. “Evangelist Patterson was known for her charitable deeds and numerous acts of kindness to others. She was an iconic figure in the body of Christ and will be remembered for her mentorship and grace. Each time she entered a room, she made a mammoth statement.”
COGIC also announced her death in a tribute giving full funeral details. “Mother Patterson was an anointed Woman of God with class, elegance and graciousness,” the tribute notes, adding that “Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard, the General Board and the entire constituency of Church of God In Christ send our condolences to the Patterson family, the Temple of Deliverance Family and all who knew and loved Mother Patterson.”
Patterson, author of the book “A Rare Pearl,” also served as the general manager of WBBP (AM 1480) radio station and president of Podium Records, per tdsmemphis.com. She fell ill just prior to COGIC’s convocation earlier this month and was unable to attend. Despite a recent hospitalization, she returned home, where loved ones surrounded her at the time of her death.
“She will be truly missed by all who knew her,” the Bountiful Blessings Board of Directors says in a post announcing her death.
Apostle David E. Taylor, whose website says was considered a “son in his ministry” by Patterson’s husband, describes her in a Facebook post as “the matriarch of the COGIC church. She epitomized what it meant to be a God-fearing woman with grace, kindness, love, intelligence, class and style. She wore many hats as First Lady of Temple of Deliverance (COGIC), and served as a strong model for women that went beyond denominational and cultural boundaries. Evangelist Patterson had a strong message and witness for Christ and compassion and concern for all people.”
Fellow evangelist Bill Adkins of Greater Imani Church in Memphis, posted his condolences on Twitter:
A dear friend, great woman of God, widow of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson has transitioned to glory. Rest well in paradise Evangelist Louise Patterson. pic.twitter.com/AewmuuEyJO
— Greater Imani/Bill Adkins (@Badkins892) November 21, 2022
Bishop D.A. Sherron, senior pastor of Global Fire Church in Brooklyn, New York, also tweeted out his remembrances of both Patterson and her husband:
There are some people you think will simply be with us forever. Growing up watching Bishop #GEPatterson on TV was inspiring. His ministry exuded excellence and his wife was always beside him. She was so gracious, kind and genuine. Take your rest Mother Louise Patterson. pic.twitter.com/2fvOz3f5BP
— Bishop D. A. Sherron (@BishopDASherron) November 21, 2022
Patterson’s “homegoing celebration” will take place on Friday, Dec. 2, at 10:00 a.m. at the Temple of Deliverance. For additional details, please visit this link. {eoa}
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