Ann Lila Patterson

Ann had been living in a nursing home in Virginia Beach, VA since October of 2021 where she passed peacefully this past April 20th. She was 90.

She was recently privately interned at Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte next to her husband, Ray L. Patterson, Sr. who died in 1968. In honor of her life, everyone is invited to attend a Memorial Celebration that will be held on Sunday August 20th at 3:00pm at Trio’s Restaurant (Corner of McMullen Creek Parkway and Hwy 51 in Pineville). Afterwards, at 5:00pm you are invited to gather at the pond across from the pool in Olde George Towne, the community where she previously lived since 1972. Everyone is welcome to attend both events. The address of the pond is Whistlestop Road directly off of Sharon Road, across from the community pool, two blocks East of Park Road, 28210. Her ashes will be scattered around the pond, a favorite place of hers where for many years she walked her dogs Coco, Mimi, then Freeway, and lastly Beau. These were her final requests.

Ann was born and raised in Charlotte and was part of the Central High School Class of 1950, graduating with Ray Sr., who she would later marry in 1955 after he returned from serving in the USAF in Korea. In the early years right out of high school, Mom worked at Bank of Charlotte under then President John Horne as his EA. Dad's career with Southern Railway took us to Asheville NC in 1960 where we lived until his death in August of 1968. While in Asheville, Mom became active in Central Methodist Church, gave birth to Cheryl, chaired the Southern Railway's Women's Auxiliary, and was Chairman of the “Asheville Beautification Society” that was started by Lady Bird Johnson.

After our father died, Mom moved us back to Charlotte where she lived for 52 years until she went to live with her son in January 2020, then Cheryl in Virginia Beach in May of 2021, then later into the nursing home in October of 2021. Mom worked for McClure Lumber in Charlotte for 35 years where she was the Credit Manager until she retired the first time in 2004 at age 72 when the company closed. Highly sought-after for her unique abilities, many building companies made her offers when the lumber company closed. She landed at Austin Installation as their new Credit manager where she finally retired in 2010 at age 78. Mom simply loved what she did and had a tremendous work ethic.

Ann had a very interesting and 'colorful' career in the Charlotte-area building business industry helping many builders in the Charlotte area literally get their start. She was a multi-year Member of the Charlotte Home-Builders Association, Chaired the Charlotte Credit Chamber for many of those years, was a member of Sharon Methodist Church, and was very active in many local political campaigns.

Mom seemed to know everyone, and more to the point, could 'remember' everyone's name and the circumstances under which she had met you. She loved the many children of her extended families, her pets, and working in her amazing courtyard that was always full of many beautiful flowers and plants. Always the independent woman, she didn't give up her driver's license until she was 84.

Overall, she lead a great life, had a husband she loved dearly, and left a legacy of two children; Ray L. Patterson II, (and Becky) of SC, and Cheryl Patterson-Blankenship, (and husband James) of Virginia Beach, VA; two grandchildren; Brandon Blankenship of Raleigh, NC, and Brittany Blankenship, of Virginia Beach, and eight great-grandchildren.

She was very proud of the fact that she never had any gray hair until her last few years. Yes, she'll be missed in many ways. In honor of her life, you can acknowledge her by helping out many less-fortunate children who are experiencing medical hardships. Simply go to the StandishFoundation.org to learn more about this amazing non-profit organization that she gave to where her son’s Company is a corporate sponsor. Give what you can in honor of her name and for a life well-lived. She would love that.

Many thanks for your warm thoughts and prayers. With much love...

Any correspondence can be sent to Cheryl at: [email protected] or to Ray at: [email protected]

The web link for her obituary is: https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/virginia-beach-va/ann-patterson-11266011 Please feel free to share this link with anyone you know that may have known Ann. Your written tributes and pictures with her in them are most welcomed. Thank you.