By Margie Holloway

Special to The North Jefferson News



Lillie Y. Patterson began her life in our capital city of Montgomery.

However, she has lived in the North Jefferson area for 63 years.

A retired teacher from the Birmingham City School System, she tutors in her spare time.

She is married to Pastor Clinton D. Patterson, and they have five girls they are very proud of. One of their daughters is a doctor, three are engineers, and one followed in her mother’s footsteps and is a teacher. Between the girls Mrs. Patterson has four grandchildren — two boys and two girls. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

A true southern mom, Mrs. Patterson always cooks a large Sunday lunch, never knowing just who might show up. Anyone is welcome she says, but her daughters are there with the grandchildren and husbands, and of course Mr. Patterson. Usually someone else shows up to visit and ends up enjoying a wonderful meal.

I asked her what she normally cooked for these meals and she said it varied. However, she has to have macaroni and cheese and a large salad for the grandchildren, especially the four year old. Salad is all he wants.

I met Mrs. Patterson while she was purchasing a Bible for one of the children. She was dressed very elegantly from her stylish glasses and matching accessories all the way to her shoes.

When I asked her what her very favorite thing to do was, she answered shopping. She loves to shop at out-of-state outlet malls. She especially likes to shop in Atlanta.

She and her sisters are also planning to go to Florida on a trip later this summer. I am sure there will be a lot of fun and purchases.

I asked her what she enjoyed doing other than shopping and she said she loves to read. She said she loves to read everything, which reminds me of myself. A lot of times a reader sticks to only one type of material. However, she made it very clear that she enjoys all types of books.

She also delves into the world of floral arranging and uses her talent for weddings, banquets or any special occasion where her services might be needed.

One of her favorite places to eat is Niki’s, and her husband loves gift cards to various restaurants.

Mrs. Patterson has a very full life, full of family and hobbies. I enjoyed meeting Mrs. Patterson and thought she was a very beautiful, smart lady who is blessed with a beautiful smile.