Costella Patterson

Costella Evern Ferguson Patterson, 72, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, May 7, 2002, at her home.

She was born Oct. 29, 1929, in McNeil, Ark., daughter of Walter and Edna Ferguson. She was married to Charles Patterson Jr. the 23rd of July 1959. To this union two children were born, Reginald and Laura.

Costella accepted a job teaching in Kewanee, Mo., for one year, and then transferred to Bell City, Mo., and worked there 14 years. After moving to Cape Girardeau she was hired to teach at May Greene Elementary, where she eventually retired in 1985 after 33 years in the teaching profession.

Costella was active in Eastern Star, Bridge Club, League of Women Voters, but most of all was a devoted member of St. James A.M.E. Church.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Patterson Jr.; a son, Reginald Patterson of Montgomery, Ala.; a daughter, Laura Foster of Antioch, Tenn.; a stepson, David Patterson of Peoria, Ill.; a stepdaughter, Terry Taylor of Sikeston, Mo.; a sister, Evelyn McCall of Marianna, Ark.; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and two sisters.

The wake will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held at St. James A.M.E. Church, 516 North Street, Saturday, May 11, at noon. The Rev. David Allen Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to St. James A.M.E. Church.