By Terry Allen
Tribute to a Phenomenally Superb Woman
– Rev. Dr. Sheron Patterson
Big Mama was a source of simple wisdom and unchanging faith in my family, touching the lives of her sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her values have inspired me to focus on the message rather than the messenger, reminding us that valuable information often hides behind personal biases. This marks my fourth year sharing my lessons from Big Mama’s stories. This time her lesson Always put your best foot forward comes forth during National Women’s Month as say not goodbye but next steps to a long-term ally, spiritual advisor and great friend. Dr. Reverend Sheron Patterson. Big Mama said/ “Give People their Roses while they are alive. Big Mama was proud to know you Sheron!
Your commitment to ministry, community, and health advocacy has left an indelible mark on all us who crossed paths with you. Here are my roses:
From the moment you were called into ministry in 1981, you embarked on a remarkable journey guided by faith and a steadfast belief in God’s plan. Your decision to trust in His guidance has led to countless lives being touched and transformed for the better.
Your educational background from Spelman College and SMU’s Perkins School of Theology speaks volumes about your dedication to learning and preparing yourself to serve others. Your easily stepped out of your comfort zone, it is a testament to your courageous spirit and unwavering faith.
Throughout your tenure, you have served as a beacon, both within the United Methodist Church and the broader community. Your impactful preaching has resonated across pulpits nationally and internationally. When you added me to the Board of the Love Clinic, we saw relationships change for the better. Your leadership roles, as a director on the board of Methodist Health Systems of Dallas or as Vice President of the Perkins School of Theology Executive Board, reflect a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being of others, especially the most vulnerable among us. Your advocacy for Black men catapulted City Men Cook and health education, particularly in the face of your own battle with breast cancer, you created a response. “The Patterson Pledge” stands as a testament your best imprint to health and wellness, encouraging women to control of their health journey. You empowered my mom, Betty Allen Douglas, to beat cancer not once but twice.
As we reflect on your remarkable contributions and legacy of service, During National Women’s Month, we are reminded of so many great women like NBC5 Vice President of Community Impact Nada Ruddock, Communicate Advocate, LorI Lynn Love and TheWayUp CEO/Alignable Ambassador, Tracee Holloway, Publisher, Noelle LeVeaux, D Magazine Partners and Leona Allen Ford, Chief Talent and Diversity Officer/Deputy Publisher.
Thank you, Pastor Sheron Patterson, for your extraordinary service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. May God continue to bless you abundantly as you continue to inspire and uplift others through your remarkable work.
Terry Allen is an NABJ award- winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR, Founder of City Men Cook and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
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