Booker T. Patterson

Mr. Booker T. Patterson, a lifelong member of the Ivor community and beloved Trustee of Gilfield Baptist Church, entered into eternal rest peacefully in his sleep on December 10, 2021 at 8:15 p.m. He was born to the late Mabel Davis Patterson and Wilson Patterson and preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Rosebud Deloris Savedge Patterson, sisters Velma Bowers, Gladys Bailey and brother Calvin Patterson. After receiving his early childhood education in the Southampton County Public Schools, Booker enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably in the Korean War where he was stationed at Quantico Marine Corps Base. In 1953, he met Deloris Savedge when she was visiting Rosalind and Gladys Brown. They married on Labor Day on September 4, 1954 and enjoyed 46 years of marriage until her passing on November 26, 2000. To their union a daughter, D. Annette Patterson, M.D. was born. He provided selflessly for his family by working as a Nuclear Submarine Supervisor at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. He never missed a day of work during his 32- year tenure and retired on November 30, 1993. His relentless work ethic earned him the nickname “Jack Benny” because he labored earnestly to save every penny. Booker contributed tirelessly to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s and hosted the late Rev. Dr. David Abernathy at his home for dinner following Civil Rights rallies. He continued his civic work with the Southampton County Election Board in the Ivor district. Booker loved farming, raising hogs and planting crops. His vegetable garden was the envy of the neighborhood and he would share his harvest to all and any who asked. As a founding member of the Young Farmer’s Club of Ivor, Virginia, Booker would offer the family farm to hunters who wanted to hunt deer, rabbit and squirrel. After his wife, Dee Dee/Deloris, died of cancer, he worked tirelessly for Relay for Life and the Helping Hands organization. He loved Gilfield Baptist church where at the time of his death, he was recognized as the oldest active male member of the church. He was chairman of the cemetery committee, a member of the history and hospitality committees. He served as vice chairman of the trustee board and served on the trustee board for 57 years. He also worked as a supervisor for Southampton County Correctional Facility’s Summer Inmate work release program. Booker leaves behind to treasure fond memories his beloved daughter, D. Annette Patterson, M.D. of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; a faithful and loving companion of 21 years, Ms. Sarah Jean Walden; a God daughter, Sandra Mitchell Williams of Petersburg, Virginia and special nieces and nephews. Among them are Linda Stringfield (Arthur Lee), Easter Wise (Larry), Natalie Jenkins (Ronald), Ronnie Bailey (Terry), Leon Bailey (Kelly), Jane, Arnold, and Tony Newby, Jackie, Jara, Lynn, RD and Lorraine Savedge, Donzell Carter, Andrew,Bobby and Troy Savedge and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Cherishing his memory are lifelong friends of over 69 years Richard and Floral Gilchrist-Johnson of Baltimore Maryland and Mrs. Ann Jones of Hampton, Virginia. A very special thank you is extended to his earthly guardian angel, Rachel Holliman, who served as his caregiver during his illness. A viewing will be held 3-7 p.m. Saturday, December 18, 2021 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. On Sunday, December 19, 2021 viewing will be held 12-1 p.m. in Gilfield Baptist Church, 9040 Doles Road, Ivor, Virginia. A graveside celebration will commence at 1:30 p.m. in the church’s cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Booker T. Patterson, please visit our flower store.