Barbara Jean "Burton" Patterson

Barbara Patterson ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Richie Funeral Home Inc on Mar. 14, 2026.Mrs. Barbara Jean Burton Patterson,Good wife – Virtuous womanProverbs 31:10-31 KJVWas born to the parentage of the of the late Jessie M. Sails and Robert Burton, Sr. on August 10, 1943. She transitioned in her new home on Friday, March 13, 2026 at her home.Barbara attended JS Wright High School graduating with the Class of 1963. While there, she was part of several arrangements. Barbara attended Piedmont Technical College where she received her Associate's Degree. During that time she met and married the love of her life, James D. Patterson, Sr. After fifty four years of marriage the Lord called him home on September 27, 2018. Leaving Barbara behind a very spoiled and loved wife and mother of three adult children and grandson reared in the home.Barbara was a member of Mulberry African Methodist Episcopal Church where she served in different capacities. She loved being a Sunday School teacher the most. In the mid sixties she was approached by I. V. White and the NAACP to apply for a job with Milliken in Abbeville, SC. She did just that, and was hired as the first African American to be hired there. She would tell her sister, Sylvia Anderson, how the other employees lined up the hall on her first day and would drop coffee cups on the floor to break and attempt to intimidate her, but it didn't work. Barbara just continued to do her job while they were unaware they were dealing with a strong black woman. She was approached again by I. V. White and the NAACP, but this time to apply for the position of Registrar with the Office of Voters Registration (ROV). This was a little more difficult position. Barbara had to go to Federal Court in Atlanta, GA on several occasions, but the mission was accomplished. Though they were told by the person whom previously held the position that it would never happen, they eventually accomplished that goal. During her tenure, she was able to register her mother and a close friend of hers, Mrs. Lucinda A. Wilson because they were a little skittish about registering to vote. Barbara then went to work for Abbeville County School District 50 in several different capacities including working as a tutor. She worked with the school for thirty four years from which she retired.Barbara leaves to cherish many fond memories two sons, James (Veronica) D. Patterson, Jr., Jamaal D. Patterson both of Abbeville, SC; one daughter, Kimberly D. Patterson of Abbeville, SC; one grandson reared in the home, Sterling J. L. Crawford of Abbeville, SC; one sister, Sylvia (Johnny) B. Anderson of Abbeville, SC; four brothers, Sylvester (Carolyn) Burton, Oscar (Arie) E. Burton both of Abbeville, SC; three sister in laws, Annie Ruth Burton, Ruby Burton both of Abbeville, SC, Carole Ann Hughey of Greenville, SC; a special cousin, Leroy Dixon; three grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; two aunts, Pearl Martin of Atlanta, GA, Janie Burton of Abbeville, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends whom she loved dearly!Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Patterson, Sr.; parents, Robert and Jessie Sails Burton, Sr.; three brothers, John M. Sails, Robert Burton, Jr,, Jesse Burton; paternal grandparents, Mack and Carrie Burton; maternal grandparents, Ruben and Carrie Sails; one brother in law, Arthur Patterson; one sister in law, Sallie Dixon; five aunts; seven uncles; and several cousins.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Jean (Burton) Patterson, please visit our floral store.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.