Carolyn Sue Patterson

Carolyn Sue Patterson, age 84, died at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, January 15, 2024. She was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on December 18, 1939, to Benjamin and Thaymon (Myles) Calloway. In 1954, the family moved to Muskegon Heights, Michigan, and found a home on Hoyt Street.

After graduating from Muskegon Heights High School in 1958, Carolyn worked as a store clerk at Smith Boulevard Drugs on the corner of Sherman Boulevard and Jarman Street in Muskegon Heights, where owner and pharmacist Moses Smith mentored her.

When the store moved to the corner of Hoyt and Hackley, Carolyn relocated to the new location and worked her way up to store manager. After Moses Smith died in 1968, her interest in pharmacy continued, and she began taking college classes.

Carolyn’s hard work and dedication paid off, and in 1973, she graduated from Ferris State in Big Rapids, MI, with a degree in pharmacy. She was the only Black student in her class of 104 students and one of four women.

After being denied opportunities in Muskegon County, thanks to family, she found an internship position and employment in other parts of the state. While completing her internship, she resided with her sister, Patricia, in Saginaw. Her brother, Ben, and his family opened their home to her when she found employment at Cunningham Drugs in Detroit.

Finally, an opportunity arose in her hometown. The store on Hoyt and Hackley, where she had worked years ago, was for sale. After much effort and visits to several banks, Carolyn was able to secure a loan, and in 1976, she and her husband, Oscar, opened Patterson’s Pharmacy. The store remained open for 44 years until Carolyn retired in 2020.

Carolyn loved people, and she loved her community. When not filling prescriptions in the pharmacy, she could often be found at the candy counter giving kids a quick lesson in arithmetic or discussing the day’s events at the soda fountain with area residents.

Carolyn passed along her interest in pharmacy to her two children, Cynthia and Darwin, both pharmacists and Ferris State University graduates.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar; her parents, Benjamin and Thaymon Calloway; two sisters, Jean Rew and Gwandolyn Nolan; and one brother, Benjamin Calloway, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Two children, Cynthia Smith of Norton Shores, MI, and Darwin Smith of Muskegon Heights, MI; one brother, John Calloway of Roosevelt Park, MI; one sister, Patricia (Donald) Noel of Saginaw, MI; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; special friend, Rillastine Wilkins of Muskegon Heights, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews.

There will be a repass immediately following Mrs. Patterson Celebration of Life service at the church. The family is looking forward to fellowshipping with you .  Internment will be held at a later date.