Dwayne Edward Patterson's Obituary
Dwayne Edward Patterson was born in Tacoma, WA on November 25, 1957 to the late Nealer and Nathaniel Jerome Patterson Sr. He was the 6th of 7 living children. Dwayne was a handsome baby boy. He and his twin sister, Elaine, won the ‘Cutest Baby’ contest in 1958.
Growing up, Dwayne sang in the Bethlehem Baptist Church’s Young Adult Choir, was a member of the Usher Board, and played on the church’s Softball and Basketball Teams. Dwayne loved playing football at Lincoln High School, where he lettered, and graduated in 1976. During school Dwayne was known as quite the jokester, as he loved to laugh and have fun. As many friends noted, Dwayne was one of the most loyal friends’ one could have.
Dwayne joined the United States Army upon graduation from high school in July, 1976, and was honorably discharged on December 3, 1976. From that point on, the direction of his life changed as he battled with mental illness and health issues. But Dwayne will always be remembered and loved as the kind-hearted “Big Teddy Bear” that he truly was. Dwayne was loved by his family and he loved them. He was always willing to help someone if he could and would give of himself unconditionally.
Dwayne is preceded in death by his parents, Nealer and Nathaniel Jerome Patterson, Sr., and his nephew, Demiko Raul Patterson. He is survived by his siblings, Claudette Nash, Nathaniel Jerome Patterson, Jr., David Russell Patterson, Mark Steven Patterson, twin sister, Elaine Marie Patterson, and Doretha Patterson-High. Dwayne also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and very close family friends.
A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, 11:00 am, Bethlehem Baptist Church, 4818 Portland Ave E, Tacoma, WA 98404.
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