Patricia Leona Adams, 98, of Altadena, CA, passed away on December 31, 2022 after a ten year journey with Alzheimer's. Thankfully, she suffered minimally, due to her strong genes, longevity and overall general health, she was able to live a happy and content lifestyle, in her latter years she was living with her companion granddaughter/caregiver Nichole, in peaceful Duarte, CA during her final years. She was always surrounded by her immediate family, with in-home caregiving solely by her loved ones, the commitment was simply beautiful until God called her home, she always hoped for this and her wishes came true!

Patricia was born on December 2,1924 to  Reverend Glen and Mother Pollie Patterson who oversaw Mt.Carmel Missionary Baptist church, in Los Angeles, CA. At an early age, Patricia accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Her parents raised the whole family in the church, they all loyally attended services and were involved in running the church functions throughout their entire parent's lifetimes and all found new church homes close by, afterwards. 

 Patricia attended Palo Verde in Blythe, CA(9th grade)/ Coachella Valley Highschool (10th grade) then graduating from Perris Union High School in 1943 . Following high school graduation, she went on to college studies, married, started her family and finally graduated with a Music (Major) and English (Minor) at Cal State L.A. Patricia  earned her Bachelor of Arts in 1965. Starting in 1966, Patricia taught English/ Music in LA Unified Schools until 1977. After retiring from teaching, while raising her grandchildren (James and Nichole, DeAndre),  with the support of her husband, she decided to take advantage of the opportunity to attend Law school, something she always wanted to experience. Patricia was intelligent, driven and successfully obtained her Juris Doctor Degree in 1980, while her husband had serious medical challenges, everything was covered in prayer and grace.  Her association with Toastmasters of America, Woman's Law Institute, Moot Court association were all very impressive, as a 56 year old woman... with teenagers living at home.

 At the age of 22, Patricia met the true love of her life, Mr. Richard Adams, who gracefully asked and received her father's blessing in advance of their union and they happily wed on August 2, 1947, they were married 72 years, God was always first in their household and they were blessed with a lengthy strong union. A beautiful 50 year wedding anniversary celebration was quite a memorable occasion, never to be forgotten, the overflow of love and recognition was definitely remarkable, they were a true example of a solid marriage. Rick always spoke highly of his unconditional love of his wife and she did the same for him.

 Patricia and Rick were blessed with three beautiful children; Joya Renee, Stephanie Joann, Richard Michael (Mike).

When Patricia had her children, she decided to dedicate her life to being an outstanding unconditional loving Mother/Grandmother to her own children initially, then to her grandchildren also, which always lovingly call her Mom/ Mommy/ Grandma. She was close and involved with her great grandchildren and bonded with her great great grandchildren also. Family was a priority for Patricia and Rick, as their lifetime together included being parents for two segments of 3 children. Uncle Rick proudly called himself "Keeper of the family heritage".

Patricia excelled above and beyond supporting her entire family, friends and co-workers, including all her nieces/nephews (grands) and supporting them through the many various personal journeys and passions, educational endeavors, including any difficulties or setbacks of their lives. She willingly raised her grandchildren throughout their full lives, since very early on, while successfully furthering her personal education. Patricia made it her mission to improve the lives of others while growing as an individual, she had a bucket-list and fulfilled many tasks.

 Patricia was a passionate Songstress and faithful choir member for decades, when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness or participating in her grandchildren's musical/hobby/employment development and mothering the family, she could be found in Los Angeles with her sisters rehearsing singing, preparing to go on tour with their choral adventures and groups, while continuing their bond as they all were very close and happy together.

 Over the years, Patricia participated in four traveling musical groups: The McGruder Choraliers, directed by her sister Berneice, The Symphonic Chorale directed by Dorothy Hayes and The Chorale directed by Gwen Wyatt which also performed at Carnegie Hall, her last journey with participating as a choir member until she was 90+ years old was with Lake Avenue Church choir, in Pasadena. Music stayed in her soul and never left her heart, she loved it more than any other hobby and continued singing solos until her last days.

 Patricia enjoyed and lived a very active lifestyle, she was always busy on the go and was able to still  assisted walk until her 98th birthday. Patricia and her late husband Rick famously walked around the neighborhood for decades, on a daily basis, they strongly believed and desired a healthy life which contributed to their longevity. Pat truly enjoyed swimming, taking fitness classes, baking and selling her world famous fruitcakes, nailing mincemeat pies for family gatherings, attending church, shopping, family time celebrations/parties, mothering/supporting her beloved family and participation in various programs in her free time.

We will all miss her greatly, as she was a Leader/ Strong Encouragement source for the entire family when it came to personal challenges, legal matters and getting their affairs in order for a solid future. Many folks respected her and sought legal advice and followed her educated and verbal council, as she had solid knowledgeable answers when concerns and issues arose, she had a great way of encouraging and guiding others.

 Patricia was predeceased by her parents Reverend Glen and Pollie Patterson, Sister Auntie, Berneice and George McGruder, Brothers; Flenoid Patterson, Roger Patterson, Sister Cora Mc Casker. She is survived by sister Dolores Evans, Sister Lillyan Swayne, Children; Joya, Stephanie, Richard (Mike) and Gayle, Grandchildren; James, Nichole, DeAndre Jr, Jerry, Brandon,Jason and their families, Great grandchildren; Cameron, Carin, Caira, Jayme, Savannah, Julianna, Great- Great grandsons; Wendall Jr, Kenzo Khalil. She leaves to mourn a host of many neices, nephews, grand nieces/nephews,,  cousins and family friends, church family who cherished her friendly smile and personality.

* The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to 416 Tocino dr Duarte, CA 91010. 

*Service and repast at Lake Avenue Congregational church in Pasadena Feb 11, 2023 at 130pm.

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