Phyllis D. Patterson

Phyllis was born January 17,1927 in Clinton, Indiana to parents Samuel T. and Ruth E. Davis.  She was graduated from Purdue University where she met and married John “Pat” Patterson in 1948.   They lived in Houston, London, and Saint-Martin-du-Vivier (Rouen), France before settling in Bernardsville, New Jersey to raise their three daughters.  She and John retired to Hilton Head in 1993. 

Phyllis’s lifelong volunteerism reflects her varied interests.  While in Bernardsville, she served as President of Somerset Hills Symphony, Red Cross Board, Shade Tree Commissions, Trustee of Bernardsville Library Board of Directors, and the Archaeology Society of Drew University (including hands on excavation work in Pluckemin, NJ), President of local chapter of AAUW (American Association of University Women), and as Deacon in the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church. 

On Hilton Head, Phyllis was a 15-year volunteer with Hospice of Low Country, active with the Hilton Head Women’s Association, Volunteers in Medicine, Hilton Head Symphony, Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O), and served as Deacon in the First Presbyterian Church, where she was also a member of the choir.   She volunteered at the Heritage Golf Tournament, including several years as Shot Link on the 18th hole.  She served for several years on the Wine Committee at the Sea Pines Country Club.

Throughout her life, Phyllis traveled extensively with Pat, and later with friends and family. Places include Russia, China, Europe, South America, Easter Island, India, Antarctica, and Cuba. She was an outstanding hostess, gourmet cook, and entertained extensively in her home.    She will long be remembered for her warm smile, purple streaked hair, and love of people.   

Phyllis is survived by two daughters and their husbands Polly (Bryan) Shiraishi of Black Diamond, WA, Jill (Gabe) Buzas of Chicago, IL, son-in-law Bill Tuggle of Hilton Head; and three grandsons and their wives Kyle (Katie) Shiraishi, Cory (Karissa) Shiraishi, Kirby (Jian) Shiraishi, and four great-grandchildren Kai, Karter, Theodore, and Eliya.

 She is preceded in death by her husband John K Patterson; her sister Donath Richey, and daughter Donath Tuggle. 

A memorial service and reception will take place on Wednesday, April 9 at 10:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island.  All are welcome to attend.  In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Phyllis Patterson to the Music Ministry at First Presbyterian Church or Cottey College, a nonsectarian women’s college owned and supported by P.E.O.