Barbara Patterson

Barbara Sue Davis Patterson, 85, of Cape Girardeau went to her heavenly home at 5 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in the hospice wing of Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, due to complications from a brain tumor.

Barbara was born Aug. 14, 1938, in Anna, Illinois, to Samuel and Wanda Davis. She graduated from Shawnee High School in 1957. She married Robert Glenn Patterson on Jan. 28, 1984.

Barbara earned her Associate of Science degree to become a secretary from Rend Lake College in 1988. In 1993, she took lay speaking classes and started her ministry as a lay speaker in United Methodist Church, preaching every month until she accepted God's calling and started her education to become a pastor. In 2000, she became a licensed United Methodist clergy from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. The following year she became an ordained associate member of Kansas West Conference of United Methodist Church.

Barbara was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her faith and family were most important to her. She was a dedicated follower of Christ who volunteered countless hours in missions work, teaching Bible studies, leading prayer groups and church choirs and faithfully serving and preaching in United Methodist churches throughout Northern Kansas. She was a pastor for United Methodist Church from 2000 to 2015.

She was loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Robert Glenn Patterson; children, Julie Yvonne Arnold, Kara Lynn Painter and James Daniel Patterson; grandchildren, Robert Matthew Needling, Thomas James Painter and Ellis Joyce Painter; and great-grandchildren, Jossilin Claire Needling, Stanton Lee Whitener, Foster Matthew Needling and Hayes Kennedy Needling.

She was predeceased by her parents, Samuel Davis and Wanda Mainer, and younger brother, Richard Davis.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Linda Gastreich officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Wells Cemetery in Clay City, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace United Methodist Church.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.