Dateline: April 17, 2008

Berta Mae Patterson, 96, of Lubbock, died April 12, 2008.

Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel with Pastor Danny Willis officiating. Burial followed in Resthaven Memorial Park.

Berta was born in Clarendon, Texas to Jim and Muncey Owens Pool on April 23, 1911, the youngest of five children. She married Herman Patterson on February 14, 1931, in Clarendon.

She began her working career in 1942, at the Kaiser Ship yards in Portland, Oregon, as an electrician’s assistant. She was one of the women known as “Rosie the Riveter,” who worked in men’s jobs while the men were away at war. One of her fondest and longest terms of employment was for KCBD for 26 years. She continued to work until she was 80 years old. She loved her church, Central Baptist, and being of service. She was a member of the church for over 60 years.

Berta is preceded in death by her husband, Herman, and son, Donald Ray.

She is survived by her daughter Nelda Turner and husband, Roy; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and ten great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the WMU of Colonial Baptist Church, 2102 49th St., Lubbock, TX 79412.