COGIC leader Louise Patterson, widow of former Bishop G.E. Patterson, dies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Louise Patterson, the widow of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson, has died.

Louise Patterson was the President and CEO of Bountiful Blessings Ministries, Inc.

People who knew her well tell said she left a permanent mark on the Mid-South.

Greater Imani Church Pastor Dr. Bill Adkins tweeted, “A dear friend, a great woman of God, widow of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson has transitioned to glory. Rest well in paradise Evangelist Louise Patterson.”

Patterson passed away Sunday after returning home from the hospital.

“When I walked in the church, I saw this tall, beautiful lady, who had on a beautiful hat and a beautiful dress, “Mance Aytchan, a longtime friend of Patterson said.

From silk blouses, beautiful bold hats, and matching accessories, Evangelist Louise Patterson’s class and appearance was unmatched.

But she was so much more than her elegant outfits.

“She always wanted to make sure that everybody was ok,” Aytchan said. “Whatever the cost is. Do you want something to eat? Are you alright? It’s like she had a detector, and it seemed like if something was wrong, she could pick it up.”

Aytchan served as the minister of music at the Temple of Deliverance Church.

He met Patterson when he was 18 years old and said her spirit has touched him since.

“She will be remembered as an example to women. She will be remembered as a giver, a woman of God who loved people,” he said.

After her husband’s death, Patterson made it her mission to expand his ministry.

She led Bountiful Blessings Ministries, served as general manager of WBBP radio, was the president of Podium Records, and author of the book “A Rare Pearl.”

“I think there’s something to be said for a woman of commitment who would be with Bishop through the years of struggle and uncertainty, but she’s also a woman of love and grace,” Bobby White, a longtime friend and the vice president of Bountiful Blessings said.

As the community prepares to say their goodbyes to a Memphis icon and role model, White said they will continue to carry out her mission and legacy.

“The same way they’ve encouraged so many people over the years, we want to continue to be accessible to folks. I know that would be something she would want us to continue,” he said.

A family spokesperson said funeral services for Ms. Patterson have not been set.

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