Vernita Inease Patterson-Hawes

Ms. Vernita Inease Patterson-Hawes affectionately known as Inez and Nana. She entered into eternal rest after a short illness, May, 25, 2020. Vernita was born to the late Beatrice and Wilbur Patterson. on March 6, 1924. She had 5 children, 2 preceded her in death Patricia A. Patterson and Marvin C. Hawes. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Alvin Sylvester Patterson, Wilbur Eugene Patterson, William Patterson, Sylester Lee Patterson-Thompson, Wilberta Althea Patterson-Jenkins, Gloria Joyce Patterson-Perry and Fillmore Charles-Patterson.

Vernita graduated from Southside School 107 class of 1941 in Jacksonville, Florida. She later relocated to Philadelphia, Pa. where she resided for 55 plus years, before moving to Atlanta, GA with her daughter. 

Vernita continued her studies at (Philadelphia General Hospital) where she was awarded a certificate of completion to be a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked various jobs in her life as a private duty LPN. She had the gift of serving and caring for people. She was indeed a people person.

Vernita was blessed with another gift of baking. She could bake anything. Known for her specialty in fruit cakes, any kind of cakes, pies, brownies, assorted cookies, peach and apple cobbler and yeast rolls. When unable to perform her cooking duties safely, Nana relinquished her cooking and baking duties. She had a saying, (they put me out of the kitchen and I'm staying out.) And she did.

Vernita accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at and early age. In later years she served as mother of the Church at Abounding Life Ministries under Pastor Rodella. She also attended Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga. Under the leadership of Bishop Paul S Morton with her daughter.

Vernita leaves to cherish her memories, her sons, Ronald McGrier, Sr. of Rockledge, FL, Andrew Johnson of New Castle, Delaware; daughter, Barbara J. Johnson of Fairburn, Ga; three daughters-in-law, Merceline Hawes, Olivia McGrier and Charisse Johnson; 13 grandchildren, Lakeshia Hawes, Baheejah Mahdi, Zaherrah Mahdi-Poulson, Marwan Hawes, Rosalina Day, Maria Williams, Dr. Ronald McGrier, Jr., Harold McGrier, Chantell Preston, Quanda Johnson, Quinton Johnson, Devon Johnson and DeAndre Johnson; 25 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren whom she loved dearly; a host of nieces and nephews, among them, Sandra T. Brown, Alfredia Lyons, Olga Brannon, Alveria Baker, Aldo Thompson, Alvin Thompson, Sr., Terrance aka T- Thompson, Alvin Thompson Jr. (Carl), Raoul Jenkins, Byron Jenkins, Lauan Jenkins, and a loving niece who shared her birthdate, Lisa Story. Other family members, Rosa Exson, husband Edward, Exson, Sr., and son, Edward Exson, Jr. Vernita will be sadly missed by all who new and loved her.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the family.

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