Obituary of Etta Mae Patterson

Etta Mae Patterson, 85, entered into eternal rest on 12/11/2020. Lovingly referred to as "Etta Mae" by her family, "Muh" by her children, Momzie, and G-Ma and Granny Gray by her grandchildren and great-grandchild.  She was also affectionately known as "Tay" to others. Her love and commitment to Christ, church, family, and friends led to her being graced with many names. Etta Mae Patterson was born to the late Coleman and Geneva Wright in Whitewright, TX on February 14, 1935. She was the third of eleven children born to this union.

In 1955, Etta wed Albert L. Boddie, Sr. and their union produced six children, four sons and two daughters. After the passing of her husband, Albert Sr. in 1977, she remarried in 1990 to William "Red" Patterson. That union lasted until his passing in 2009. She was also predeceased by two children, Albert L. Boddie, Jr. and David E. Boddie; her siblings, Hubert Henderson, Coleman Wright Jr., Robert Wright, Barbara Nell Wright, Georgia Wright, Glenna Youngblood, and Willie Wright; and one grandchild, Diana Alicia Alonzo.

Etta graduated from Fred Douglas High School in Sherman, TX in 1952. As a youth, Etta enjoyed learning and was always helping her mother in taking care of her younger siblings. Etta always had a keen sense of fashion and style and as a teen, was interested in fashion design, which was demonstrated in the outfits she designed and made for herself and her daughters.

Once Etta became a wife and mother, she worked in a domestic capacity for several years prior to her long-term employment as a seamstress at Pool Manufacturing, in Sherman, TX, from where she retired in 1990. After retirement Etta kept busy by continuing her service at church and volunteering with various organizations. As a devoted member of Independent Springs CME Church, Sherman, TX, since 1955, she served as the church secretary, treasurer, Youth Director and devotion leader for several years. She was always willing to help the church wherever needed, whether cooking in the kitchen or cleaning out the bathrooms. She exemplified the scripture of "Here am I Lord, send me".

In addition, her many years of church affiliations and activities included, but were not limited to:

• DFW Northwest Texas (NWT) Region Missionary and Annual Conference Delegate
• Dallas District Missionary Society
• Fort Worth District Missionary Society
• Church Women United of Grayson County

Etta was an active and dedicated member of Independent Springs CME Church until the church recent 2020 merger with St. John CME Church, Sherman, TX, of which she became member.

Etta was very engaged in the community as a member of the NAACP and the Order of the Eastern Stars. Furthermore, she served as the President of the Advisory Board member of the Sherman Senior Center (SNAP) for several years, and was engaged in community and civic events in this role. Her volunteer efforts at Jefferson Elementary School brought her great joy in working with children and teachers (giving back to our young community even after her children were grown).

Etta was known for her vitality and energetic spirit. She often traveled to various locations to visit her children and other family members. She always attended various social events and dressed to impress. In her downtime, which was rare, she enjoyed watching her Soaps, old Westerns, and BET/OWN TV shows, and working on word puzzles.

Etta's charm and beauty always complemented her inner warmth and compassion for others. Some of her common phrases were "I'm not complaining, I'm just explaining", "The Girl Can't Help It", and "I'm going to do what I can, while I can"!

Living her life out loud, Etta spent a lifetime of servitude for family, church and community; always putting the needs of others first.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Her children, Ronald Boddie (Joyce), Houston, TX; Ricky Boddie, Sherman, TX; Donna King (Bobbye), Euless, TX; Lisa Hope (Wilfred), Virginia Beach, VA. To also cherish her memories two sisters: Bettye Ann Shelton, Houston, TX; Eva Jo Polk, Sherman, TX; one brother: Billy Earl Wright, Denton, TX; nine grandchildren: Jose Alonzo, Meaghan Boddie-Holly, Max Boddie, Janelle Hope, Nyriko Saldana, Malik King, Chyna Boddie, Christian Boddie, Chloe Boddie; one great grandson: Aiden Amir Boddie Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A public visitation (come and go) will be Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, Texas.

The funeral service will be Friday, December 18, 2020 at 12:00 Noon in the Waldo Funeral Home Chapel in Sherman with Rev. Carrie Renter Officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedarlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Sherman.

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Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home. You may sign the online guestbook at waldofuneralhome.com and view memorial DVD at Life Tributes