Louise Patterson was a prominent and influential leader in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination. She was also a social activist, a college professor, and a co-founder of Bountiful Blessings Ministries. She passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 21, 2022, at the age of 84. Her death has left a void in the hearts of many who admired her grace, kindness, and dedication to justice.
A Life of Service and Faith
Louise Patterson was born on September 9, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in Harlem, New York City, where her father was a Baptist minister and her mother was a schoolteacher. She was one of six children, and her family was part of the black middle class.
She graduated from Oakland High School at the age of 15 and was admitted to the University of California at Berkeley, where she was one of the pioneering Black women to study there. She later earned a master’s degree in education from Columbia University and a doctorate in sociology from New York University.
She married Gilbert Earl (GE) Patterson, a COGIC bishop and pastor, in 1952. They co-founded the Temple of Deliverance COGIC in Memphis, Tennessee, which grew to become one of the largest churches in the country. They also established Bountiful Blessings Ministries, which included a radio station, a record label, a publishing company, and a television network.
Louise Patterson served as the first lady of COGIC during her husband’s tenure as the presiding bishop from 2000 to 2007. She was also an evangelist and a leader in the Women’s Department of COGIC. She traveled extensively with her husband, preaching and teaching the gospel to millions of people around the world.
She also wrote a book titled “A Real Pearl”, which chronicled her life story and shared her insights on faith, family, and ministry. She was known for her charitable deeds and numerous acts of kindness to others. She supported various causes such as education, health care, civil rights, and social justice.
A Legacy of Love and Inspiration
Louise Patterson’s husband died in 2007 due to heart failure. She took over as the president and CEO of Bountiful Blessings Ministries and continued to oversee its operations until her death. She also remained active in COGIC and mentored many young women who looked up to her as a role model.
She received many honors and awards for her contributions to the church and society. She was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in 2010. She was also honored by several institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, Howard University, and Morehouse College.
She died on November 21, 2022, at her home in Memphis. The cause of her death has not been officially announced, but it is believed that she died naturally due to old age. Her funeral arrangements have not been disclosed yet.
Her death has been mourned by many people who admired her as an iconic figure in the body of Christ and a champion for justice and liberation. Her nephew, Bishop Milton R. Hawkins, who is the senior pastor of Temple of Deliverance COGIC, said in a statement: “Evangelist Patterson was known for her charitable deeds and numerous acts of kindness to others. She was an iconic figure in the body of Christ and will be remembered for her mentorship and grace. Each time she entered a room, she made a mammoth statement.”
Others who paid tribute to her include David Porter, a Stax songwriter and Memphis music legend who introduced her to her husband; Dr. Bill Adkins, the pastor of Greater Imani Church; and Angela Davis, a political activist and former political prisoner whom Louise Patterson supported.
Louise Patterson’s life and legacy will be celebrated by all those who continue to fight for a better world. She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched with her love and faith.
