Jeanette Patterson

Jeanette Patterson was born in McComb, Mississippi to Zebedee and Minnie Lee Patterson on April 26, 1951. Affectionally known as “Mommie,” “Memi,” “J,” “JP,” “Ms. J,” and “Mama J,” Jeanette was a woman of class and distinction who loved the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul, and strength. Jeanette accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and grew up as a member of Flowery Mount Missionary Baptist Church in McComb.

Jeanette graduated from Higgins High School (Class of 1969) where she was named Football Sweetheart. She then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi (Class of 1974) and received numerous other professional certifications.

Jeanette’s highly successful corporate career included 15 years with Delta Airlines in its Dedicated Reservations segment, and over 12 years as Senior Manager, Customer Service with Verizon Telecommunication – leading teams in the exceptional delivery of complex enhanced services to Fortune 100 companies. Jeanette subsequently held leadership positions with JPMorgan Chase as a Military Customer Assistance Specialist and with Genpact Mortgage Services, managing and facilitating the training of over 100 mortgage loan processors in Texas and California.

In 2013, Jeanette retired from Corporate America to serve non-profit organizations through her own consulting practice. In that capacity, she served at Christ Community as Executive Administrator to the Lead Pastor, and then as Executive Administrator to the President & CEO of Dallas Leadership Foundation – making immeasurable contributions in these roles at both organizations. In Jeanette’s most recent years, she was overjoyed to help provide loving care to Mrs. Mildred Jones, the mother, and mother-in-law of Wanda and Roland Williams; and in so doing, became a beloved member of their entire family.

Jeanette’s entire life was a life of service. This service also was demonstrated in the numerous Christian ministries of which Jeanette was a part. Jeanette served on the earliest Core Leadership Team of Christ Community’s Women’s Ministry when it was first formed in 2000. Jeanette rejoined the Women’s Ministry Core Leadership Team in 2015. In 2019, she became co-leader of her beloved “Women of Wisdom” – those elegant women of Christ Community ages 63 and better.

Jeanette also was a prayer warrior and faithful member of the Women’s Wednesday Prayer Line at 6:00 A.M. every Wednesday morning. Also a passionate student of God’s Word, Jeanette faithfully participated in Pastor Terrence Autry’s weekly Noon Day Bible Study and in other Christian Education opportunities at Christ Community and beyond.

Moreover, Jeanette passionately shared her own significant teaching gifts and passion for God’s Word with others. In 2010, Jeanette became a Group Leader for Bible Study 2 Fellowship (“BSF”), responsible for leading BSF Bible classes for women all over the nation. She led discussion group fellowships, prayed for group members, and shepherded group members through weekly contact.

Jeanette also loved working behind the scenes. She served for years as an instrumental member of Christ Community’s Congregational Care Ministry and loved providing comfort to those in bereavement. If anyone received a floral arrangement for any reason from Christ Community, Jeanette likely was the person selecting and sending these beautiful tokens of God’s love. Further, numerous individuals can attest to the fact that Jeanette gave them a word of encouragement, a listening ear, a prayer, and a model for living this Christian life when they needed it most.

In December 2019, Jeanette fulfilled a lifelong dream to participate in a mission trip to the continent of Africa. Jeanette was one of 20 women from Christ Community (including her beloved daughter, Rochelle) who traveled to Ghana, West Africa, to minister in the “Designed for Noble Activity” Women’s Conference in conjunction with Full Gospel Church International – Ghana. Jeanette led a powerful session, “Designed for Leadership.” By example and presence, she significantly impacted the 300+ women (and men) at the conference, along with the entire Christ Community team. 

Jeanette delighted in shopping, cooking, laughing, and spending time with her family and friends. Jeanette will be fondly remembered for her compassion, her wise counsel, her directness, her strength, and her servant's heart. Jeanette’s loving spirit will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to cross her path. 

The Lord called Jeanette home on Saturday, May 1, 2021, in Dallas, TX, shortly after she joyously celebrated her 70th birthday. Jeanette leaves to cherish her loving memory: her daughter, Rochelle L. Johnson (Michael) of Plano, TX; granddaughters, Brianna L. Tyler and Nana A. Johnson (Matthew Santiago); special friend, Michael Smith of Cedar Hill, TX; brother, Zachary Patterson of McComb, MS; niece, April C. Shotwell of Wylie, TX; nephew, Datren L. Williams (Maya) of The Woodlands, TX; great-nephews, Daven Williams, Darren Williams, and Dillen Williams; a host of other nieces, nephews, and other relatives; dear friends; and members of her church family, Christ Community.  

Today we celebrate Jeanette Patterson’s life! We thank the Lord for graciously sharing her with us and rejoice that she is in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served with her whole being.

Disclaimer: This biography is specially composed by the family and posted accordingly. 

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