Patterson, Mr. & Mrs. Donald, Sr. & Jennye

Donald, the beloved son of Robert and Blanche Patterson was born on October 9, 1933 and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. The fourth of five children, Donald was an athlete and avid sports fan. Throughout his early education in Baltimore City Public schools, Donald was an enthusiast and ultimately ran track and played football for Dunbar High School. He continued his involvement in athletics, playing halfback for Bears while earning a B.S. in Physical Education from Morgan State University (then College). Donald continued his education earning a Master of Education degree from Loyola College; but his allegiance remained with Morgan, where he gave generously of his time and resources. Morgan also provided the backdrop for his meeting Jennye Agnes Thomas. Though they left the institution and continued along separate paths, life brought them full circle and they were married in Baltimore in 1987. Education was a passion for Donald. He taught at Booker T. Washington Junior High School, Hampstead Hill Junior High School, and his alma mater, Dunbar High School. Ascending the ranks of the Baltimore City Public School System, Donald served as Assistant Principal for Garrison Junior High School and Principal at Greenspring Junior High School among others, retiring in 1983 as Assistant Superintendent. Though active in sports and education, Donald found time for involvement in city and state politics, community activities, and service to his country in the United States Army. His most important role, however was father to his only child, Donald E.L. Patterson, Jr. Donald Jr. fondly remembers his Dad coaching his little league football team, and the pride with which his father related his accomplishments on the field, and off. Donald was a cherished a member of the Guardsman, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, the NAACP, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, the Morgan State University National Alumni Association, Incorporated and other professional organizations. Donald touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity. He leaves his son Donald Ernest Lee Patterson, Jr., (Annette) and Grandsons Donald Ernest Lee Patterson, III (US Army currently stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX) Sean Michael Patterson, (currently attending Germanna Community College) and Nicholas Christopher Patterson, (currently a freshman at Stafford High School) from Fredericksburg, VA. Jennye, the beloved daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Thomas, was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jennye had four siblings all deceased: Elizabeth T. McCabe, Edwin Thomas, Ioene Thomas, and Kathryn T. Frisby. In her North Philadelphia neighborhood, Jennye grew up in the atmosphere of a large extended family—including the Thomas', the Robinson's and the Richardson's. Always intelligent, energetic and outgoing, she was an active youth member of the AME Union Church of Philadelphia. Jennye was an excellent student who attended the Darrah School and later was graduated from Simon Gratz High School with honors. After extensive training she became an accomplished ballerina. Her abilities led to her being awarded a scholarship to Morgan State College—a relationship which would last a life-time. Jennye was very active at Morgan. This culminated in her being elected Miss Morgan. Later she would obtain her masters from Morgan. Jennye was inspired to enter into education by her sisters Elizabeth T. McCabe (an educator in Philadelphia) and Kathryn T. Frisby (a Baltimore educator). A fluent linguist Jennye joined the Baltimore City School system as a language teacher. She began as a teacher, and severed as a department chair and guidance counselor in various schools. Later Jennye became Vice Principal and then Principal of the Greenspring Middle School. Jennye was very interested in community affairs. She was very fashionable and loved clothes, parties, and travel. She particularly loved to journey to the Islands and South America. She liked to serve as a hostess and participated in many organizations. Jennye was a very caring person who loved her family and friends. In fact, one of her last conversations with family was in reference to going to see a grand-nephew in a stage production. Jennye rendered both physical and financial support to her Alma Mater; Morgan State University. She was a faithful supporter of the Morgan State University Foundation, Inc. and the Morgan State University Choir. Jennye loved children and young people, and mentored many young women. She was famous for congratulating young children by saying to them: "good child by candy." Jennye also loved a good debate. Some of her happiest times involved sitting around a table in Baltimore or Philadelphia and discussing issues of the day or gossiping with family and friends. Jennye was a beloved and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The Links Incorporated, Pierians, Les Grande Dames, National Secondary Principals Association, Maryland State Teachers Association, and National Teachers Association. Jennye leaves to cherish her memory: Nephews Hon. H. Russell Frisby, Jr. (June,) H. Russell Frisby, III and James Thomas Frisby, Niece: Janet McCabe (Baltimore) and Cousins: Dr. Edward Robinson, Elaine Richardson, Pamela Robinson Johnson and numerous other relatives.

Tributes

Patterson, Mr. & Mrs. Donald, Sr. & Jennye

September 28, 2011