Juanita Elizabeth Patterson, 97, died November 9, 2017 in Denton, TX. Prior to moving to TX, she had lived in Tecumseh, OK from 1963-2013.

Juanita was born the fourth child of Andrew Jackson Sasser and Martha Ann Deal on Nov. 21, 1919 near Lexington, OK. On November 12, 1938 she married Arvil Patterson. Juanita’s grandfather, Rev. R.M. Fowler officiated. The young couple made their home in Tribbey, OK.

Soon after getting married, Juanita began attending the Baptist Church in Tribbey and there accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. Her faith in God was a cornerstone of her life. During WW11, Juanita and Arvil moved to Oklahoma City, OK so that he could work at Tinker Air Force Base. Juanita’s love of music grew as she began taking piano lessons in 1945, traveling across OKC with her two little girls by bus and street car to her teacher’s home. Throughout the rest of their lives, Arvil played guitar and Juanita the piano. Many happy hours were spent with family and friends singing and playing together.

The Pattersons lived in Blanchard, OK 1946-1963 where they were active in the First Baptist Church, the Blanchard school, and community activities. Juanita joined Extension Homemaker’s Club as a charter member in 1949. She continued with the Extension Club after the family moved to Tecumseh serving on the County Council and as Chairman. Juanita had a heart for Woman’s Missionary Union, and that calling drew her to faithfully serve in Blanchard and Tecumseh.

Arvil served as pastor at Tribbey Baptist Church 1968-1970, Golden Acres Baptist Church 1971-73, and Oakland Baptist Church 1974- 84 with Juanita by his side serving wherever needed from pianist to teacher. Since 1985 Juanita had been a member of Tecumseh First Baptist Church singing in the choir, teaching, playing the piano, and helping with services at the Nursing Home.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, 6 siblings, her husband Arvil, daughter Juanvil, and son James.

She is survived by daughter Judith Blagg and husband Tom of Denton, TX; son-in-law Richard Monday of Colorado Springs, CO; grandsons Mickeal Matheny of Colorado Springs, CO, David Matheny and wife Dawn of Peyton, CO, Derrick Matheny and wife Julie of Colorado Springs, CO, Andy Blagg and wife Lori of Aubrey, TX, and granddaughter Caroline Schweichler and husband Phillip of The Colony, TX. Great grandchildren Brandon Matheny, Brooke Musseau, Austin and Ryan Matheny, and Kaylee and Tyler Matheny, great great grandchildren Brayden, Landon, Ella Rae Juanvil, and Myla Grace; brother E.J.Sasser of Grand Junction, CO, sister-in-law Ellen Sasser, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Tecumseh First Baptist Church, 301 S. Broadway, Tecumseh, OK. Burial will follow in the Tribbey Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard. Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.

Memorials may be made to Tecumseh First Baptist Church building fund.

SERVICES

Funeral Service
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
10:00 AM

First Baptist Church
301 South Broadway Street
Tecumseh, Oklahoma 74873