On February 2, 1920, a "ray of sunshine" burst into the lives of Robert and Clara Cranford, with the birth of their baby girl, whom they named Cleola. At an early age, Cleola and her parents moved from Ogemaw, Arkansas, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she resided until her transition from this life to eternal life.



Lovingly called "Sister Cleo," she was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost in the Church of God in Christ at age 21—a blessed moment that often was recounted as part of her testimony. Sister Patterson united with the Buford Colony Church of God in Christ (COGIC) under the pastorate of the late Elder H. B. Mure and, thereafter, with the late Elder W. J. Gardner. Sister Patterson loved the Lord and her family with all her heart and soul. Mother always was there to pray for her family, their friends, and anyone desiring prayer—any time of the day or night. There was nothing she would NOT do for the Church. Everyone knew and enjoyed that she could put a fantastic musical together at Church. Sister Cleo served as Sunday School Superintendent, Holiday Program Coordinator, Pastor's Anniversary Chairperson, Usher Board President, Treasurer, and many district positions—and loved every minute of serving.



Sister Patterson attended Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, OK, where she and Dock Patterson, Jr., were high school friends.



On Saturday morning, May 5, 2007, The Lord and Savior reached down from heaven and quietly lifted his faithful servant from earth to her new home in heaven. In her final days, she prayerfully sang, "I'm in your care Lord; wrap your loving arms around me."



Preceding her in death were her father and mother, a baby Daughter (Renita Hardman), and one Grandson (Darryl Brown).



She leaves to mourn her a devoted husband and friend, Dock Patterson, Jr.; eight (8) daughters and one (1) son: Faye Brown of Sand Springs, OK; Elma Jean Scott-Palmer of Overland Park, KS; Edna Owens of Tulsa, OK; Clara Dickens of Tulsa, OK; Earlene Williams of Las Vegas, NV; Mary Fields of Tulsa, OK; Rose Hardwick of Tulsa, OK; Ben Hardman of Minneapolis, MN; and Renee Hardman-Brown of Tulsa, OK; four sons-in-law: Elmer Palmer, Sr., James Williams, Stacy Hardwick, and Steven Brown; one step-daughter, Betty King; twenty-five (25) grandchildren, thirty one (31) great grandchildren, ten (10) great-great grandchildren, and two (2) great-great-great grandchildren; a special cousin, Maudelle Thompson (New York); and a host of relatives and friends.

The tribute will be on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. in the Buford Colony Church of God in Christ. Superintendant Millard Jones will Preside. The Christian Committal will follow in Green Acres Memorial Gardens.

You may visit Sister Cleo, as she slumbers at the funeral home in Tulsa on Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM. The wake, with the family present to share in her memory through remarks, will be from 5:30 PM to 7 PM.