Martinez Patterson

Martinez Patterson, affectionately known as “Marti” by family and friends, was born February 17, 1955, in St. Louis,Missouri, at Saint Mary’s hospital. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Norval Patterson Sr. and Katie Mason Patterson, and her grandmother Ada Marie Giles. Martinez committed her life to Christ and was baptized at an early age. She began her formative education at St. Joseph Catholic school and St. Theresa Catholic Academy. She graduated from East St. Louis Senior high school (1973). Sheconcluded her educational journey at Florida A&M University.  Marti was well known for her confidence and unique style. Her camera-ready beauty and signature strut led her to achieve her modeling aspirations. She modeled extensively in the U.S., especially in Chicago and the southeast region of the country. She won “Top Model of the Year” in “Showcase ‘83” in St. Louis, Missouri. She then gained a modeling contract with Famous Barr in 1984. The success of her modeling career led to an interview with Ebony Fashion Fair. In later years, she was employed by Advantage Austin Diversified Products Co as a door-to-door trainer, eventually working her way up to customer service manager and crew director. She retired to fulfill her most precious role in life, caretaker to her mother and brother.  Marti was a very active member of her community, volunteering with the school PTA groups and the Volunteer Grandparent Program. At Graham Elementary School, all the children lovingly referred to her as “Grandma Marti.” Marti was given her wings and transitioned to her Heavenly Father on January 27, 2022, in Chatham, Illinois.  She leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted partner, Maurice Allen, of Chatham IL; one brother, Norval W. Patterson Jr. of Chatham, IL; Children she embraced with motherly love; one daughter, Angela White of Lincoln, IL; one son, Maurice (Shonedra) Dickerson of Springfield, IL; Three grandsons: Maurice “Kobi” Dickerson of East Saint Louis, IL; Maurte’ Dickerson of Springfield, IL; Isaiah Dickerson of Springfield, IL; one granddaughter, Navy Dickerson of Springfield, IL; a special aunt, Geraldine Bonner of East St. Louis, IL; two one niece, Ebony Weatherby of East Saint Louis, IL; one nephew Norval W. Patterson III of St. Louis, MO; one mother-in-love, Joyce Smith of Florissant, Missouri; one sister-in-love, LaDonna Tunstall of Belleville, IL; a God sister, Deborah “Pudding” (Harris) Osborne; special friends: Regina Nathan, Jeanette Gates, Ricky Outlaw, and Kim Sanders; and a host of other friends and family.