Joan loved the written word as an avid reader and book collector. She enjoyed crosswords, word game apps, and art apps up until her passing. She was an accomplished needlewoman (lifelong member of the Embroiders' Guild of America) who helped with stitching multiple pieces for the First United Methodist Church in Wichita Falls. Joan and her daughter also contributed to the creation of a tapestry commemorating the 1979 tornado that was given to the city and displayed at the WF Public Library.

Joan (Evans) Patterson, 87, went home to heaven September 6, 2023. She was born in March 1936 and grew up in Prescott, Arizona as the youngest child of Albert Warren and Mary Grace (Clark) Evans. Her brothers were 16 and 18 years older than her and both joined the Navy during WWII, so she was raised by older parents like an only child. Prescott was fairly rural, and Joan filled her time with cutting up her dad's National Geographic magazines (without permission) and teaching herself to type by retyping favorite books and magazine articles. She started working in her junior high library and never stopped enjoying that environment. As a young girl, her life of service to others started with her membership in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, a youth service organization. She majored in history and anthropology at University of Arizona because in the 1950s archeology was not considered an appropriate job for women. While at UA, she joined Alpha Phi and moved into their chapter house. Her thirst for knowledge and preservation led her to a master's degree in library science from the University of Denver after which she returned to UA as a junior librarian. In Tucson, she met her soul mate Robert "Bob" Patterson through a mutual church friend. The family story is that Bob cooked dinner and served Joan his famous chocolate pound cake to seal the deal. They married in June 1963 and remained a loving couple for 42 years. In 1975, Bob was transferred to Sheppard AFB, and they finished raising their family in Wichita Falls. Joan worked as a substitute teacher and for FEMA after the 1979 tornado. Joan earned her Texas teaching certificate with the goal of becoming a public school librarian. However, when a position in collection development at the Midwestern State University Moffett Library became available, she jumped at the opportunity. Joan spent 24 years as a librarian for Moffett Library.

After retiring, she spent her remaining years traveling, reading, needlepointing, serving on the board of the MSU Credit Union, working out at Reneau Rehab, attending the MSU Lifelong Learning Center, and loving several cats and grand-fur-babies. One of her greatest joys was traveling with family to experience different parts of the United States from Alaska to Disney World and points in between. She was also thrilled to get to experience Greece and the Greek islands and a trip around Scotland. She primarily wanted to go to places she had not visited before unless it was to visit family.

Joan wasn't a funny person per se, but she could send you a look that would crack you up when you suggested something she thought was ridiculous such as going for a long walk outside as she became less mobile. She would compromise and take a the "long way" through the house. Her caregivers over the past year can attest to her being able to pop out funny comments with perfect timing and delivery. She was not one to complain about things she could not change even as they frustrated her; but she kept her easy-going nature, smile, humor, and gratitude right until the end.

Joan was a quiet helper who did not need big recognition for her contributions. She always wanted to make things easier for others, especially her kids, if she could. Joan highly valued education and pushed each child gently (most of the time) to find their way and use their gifts to the fullest.

Joan is survived by her three children and spouses: Robert and Debbie (Cook) Patterson, David and Sue Ann (Andrews) Patterson, and Pamela and Brandon Rogers. She was so proud of her five amazing grandchildren Logan, LiAna, Andrew, Sarah, and Kaitlyn. She is also survived by her in-laws James and Sherry Patterson and Theresa Patterson as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and spouses (Al and Grace; Mel and Ann), and her beloved husband, Robert Floyd Patterson.

The family would like to thank all of the medical and home health professionals who cared for her over the past few years. Thank you to Dr. Abirami Tanjavur, Healing Hands, United Regional Hospital 3-Center staff, Hospice of Wichita Falls, and the dedicated caregivers in her home. You all helped make the last couple of years more comfortable so she could enjoy "…just living my life" she would say.

Joan loved butterflies so whenever we see one, we will remember her. She will be missed every day, but we are consoled that we will see her and the rest of our family and friends again one day in heaven.

A celebration of life will take place at First United Methodist Church in Wichita Falls on Saturday, September 23 at 11:00 am. A reception will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wichita Adult Literacy Council (https://www.wfwalc.org/), Hospice of Wichita Falls (https://www.howf.org/), or the Midwestern State University general scholarship fund.