Marilyn Patterson

Marilyn Patterson, 64, entered into eternal rest on January 16, 2025. She was born on August 20, 1960 in Brooklyn, NY to the late Alberta Barksdale and Morris Howard.

Marilyn was educated in the Brooklyn public school system and attended Buffalo State College after graduation. She furthered her education by pursuing a Bachelor’s in Theology at Kingdom Life Bible Institute in Lynbrook, NY.  She was a faithful member of St. Paul Community Baptist Church and then Kingdom Cathedral when she moved to Virginia. Marilyn was employed as a MTA Bus Operator for 23 years. She also was proud to become a Chaplin on June 4, 2016.

In her spare time, you could find her praying while driving and working puzzles. She also was an avid tennis enthusiast. Spending time with her grandchildren, especially Josiah meant a lot to her.

Besides her parents, Marilyn was predeceased by two brothers, Willie Mitchell, Raymond Barksdale and one nephew, Joel Lazare. Marilyn leaves to cherish her memories, seven children, Shanel Patterson, Deidre Patterson (Jashaun Donaldson), adopted daughter, Nekeya Patterson, adopted sons, Marvin Patterson, Tylieka "Monique" Middleton, Josaih Middleton; four grandchildren, Adin, Caleb, Mckenzie and Silas Patterson; brother, Derrick Barksdale (Maritza); ex-husband who remained her friend to this day, Perry Patterson; godchildren, Darvell Smallwood, Najilah Albert; best friend, Julia Lazare; best friend, cousin / sister, Shantte Smallwood; spiritual mother, Ollie Ross; and all she loved dearly.