Mary E. Patterson

Mrs. Mary E. Lykes Patterson, 95, departed this life on January 25, 2016. She was born in Columbia, SC, and moved to Greenville at an early age. She was a daughter of the late Rev. Benjamin Lykes and Telithia Ward Lykes. She was predeceased by her husband, William H. Patterson.

A graduate of Sterling High School, Mrs. Patterson received a bachelor’s degree from Wilberforce University in Ohio and a master’s degree from Indiana University.

She began her 35 year teaching career at Mims Elementary School in McCormick, SC, then taught in the Greenville Public Schools from 1966 until retirement.

She is survived by one sister, Arnetta Lykes Darden of Baltimore, MD; three sons, Charles (Janett) of the home, Bill (Faye) of Hilton Head, SC and Lanness (Tuwarna) of New York City; five grandchildren, Charles, Jr, Kellee, Nelson, Naomi, and Maya; one great-grandson, William. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Louise Sherard, Winifred Lykes and Margaret Lykes and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Mrs. Patterson was a long time member of Allen Temple AME Church where she was a member of the Decorators Club and a faithful member of the Stewardess Board. Mrs. Patterson was also a member of the Greenville Retired Educators Association, the South Carolina Retired Educators Association and the National Education Association.