Walter E. Patterson

God fulfilled His promise of safe passage on the wings of faith and for Walter Edward Patterson at 10:48 P.M. last Monday, October 21, 2002 at the Maryland General Hospital. Though he had endured much suffering during his last days, his courage, hope and faith were constant with his inner strength. He seldom complained and continually had concern for others. He was one of three children born to the late Linton and Mary Patterson on April 12, 1930.In his early years, he was reared and educated in Granite Quarry, North Carolina with his twin sisters, Jean and Joan. In 1946 he returned to Baltimore and continued his education at Frederick Douglass High School where he graduated in 1950. Pat, or Walt as he was fondly called by friends, and Billy by his family was raised in a Christian home where faith and prayer were bywords. His loving godly mother taught him that “ Prayer is the key to faith, and faith unlocks the door.” In North Carolina he attended White Rock A.M.E. Zion Church. After coming to Baltimore, he joined and was baptized in Neon Baptist Church. Later in his life, he affiliated with New Life Fellowship Church of Christ. He loved his church family and enjoyed a close spiritual relationship with Elder Lewis. His favorite scriptures were Psalm 23 and John 3:16.In 1967 he was married to Mary Patterson and from that union, one son Phillip Edward, who preceded him in death was born. During his lifetime Billy was always employed. He worked for many years at Bethlehem Steel Co. Later he worked as a Taxi Cab and truck driver. His last employment was with the James Walker Co. until he was stricken with a stroke in 1988. He was always a loyal and dependable worker.Pat was an avid lover of most sports, but he was best known for his bowling ability. He was called the “Jackie Robinson of Duckpin Bowling.” He broke the racial barrier and became the first Black professional bowler in Maryland. In 1966, Sun Paper sport writer, Mike Kolonganin, column was entitled “PATTERSON STRIKE RACIAL ACCORD.” He was highly recognized and won many awards and trophies, but he never forgot his roots at Lafayette Bowling Lanes nor his coach the late Joseph Brown. His bowling career ended with is illness in 1988. Even when he could no longer bowl competitively, he went to the bowling lanes to encourage and coach young Black bowlers.His new love became Pinochle. He became and addictive player. It was not unusual for him to play from sun up to sun down. In 2001, he joined the Forest Park Senior Center, where he played pinochle on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00A.M. until 4:30 P.M. In April when his health failed, he went to live at the Homewood Center, Genesis Elder Care, and his sister; Joan played pinochle with him as long as he was physically able.To know Pat, Walt or Billy, whatever you called him was to love him. His ready smile and gracious manner was his trademarks. It was never a problem for him to offer his assistance to friends and love ones. His sister, Joan who was always by his bedside from the onset of his illness until his death, dearly loved him.Over 30 years ago, Pat fell in love with a lovely lady named Betty Coley. They had a very close and loving relationship, which lasted until his death. He always had concern for Betty, even on his sick bed he worried about her well being. Her children and grandchildren became his. They called him daddy and granddaddy. He loved all of the children but he had a special affection for his daughter, Dorothea (Squeekie) and for the other female grandchildren.He fought the good fight, kept the faith and is now at peace with the Lord. He will be missed by all that loved and was loved by him. He leaves to cherish his memory: one sister, Joan Cooper, one granddaughter, Nyiesha A. Patterson, two nephews, Sherman Cooper and Phillip Powell; two nieces, Ira Rowlette and Denise Joyner; three grandnephews, two grandnieces, his loving friend, Betty Coley, his adopted children, grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

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Walter E. Patterson

April 12, 1930 - October 21, 2002