Anne Elizabeth Parnelle Patterson

Anne Elizabeth Parnelle Patterson, 75, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of Russell “Rusty” John Patterson, died Wednesday, November 12, 2025, but today is resurrected to new life in Christ.

Her funeral service will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 12:15 p.m. at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 405 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403. The Committal will be private. The family will receive friends in the Parish Hall following the service. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr.

Anne was born on November 30, 1949, in Charleston, South Carolina, daughter of the late Robert Rodell Parnelle and the late Doris Willard Parnelle. She graduated from James Island High School (Home of the Rams) in 1967. After attending Winthrop University, the College of Charleston, The Citadel, and Palmer College, she proudly received what she joyfully called her “Mrs. Degree” in 1971. Anne and Rusty were High School sweethearts and were married 54 wonderful years.

Anne devoted a combined 28 years to Stiles Point Elementary School as a beloved teacher’s assistant and teacher at Loving and Learning Educational Center. Gentle, patient, and endlessly encouraging, she touched the lives of countless children and families.

Anne had many hobbies that brought her joy throughout her life. A lifelong flower lover and gifted gardener, Anne was the person everyone turned to when they needed the name of a plant or help nurturing one back to life. She was a proud member of The Garden Club of Charleston. Anne extended that same nurturing spirit to people - always caring, always giving, always showing up with kindness. She loved to cook and bake for others, filling every gathering with warmth and homemade comfort. She was known for her famous chocolate chip cookies. Her kitchen was her way of showing love, and she shared that love generously with everyone around her.

Anne was deeply dedicated to her church and served faithfully in many ministries, including the Altar Guild, a member of Circle 8, Flower Angels, the Tea Room, Sunday School teacher, the Education Board, Archives, the Outreach Center, the Food Pantry, the German Bakery for Oktoberfest, Vacation Bible School director, Lily and Poinsettia distribution at Easter and Christmas, co-chairman of the church cookbook committee, volunteer in the church office, the Welcome Committee, served as a Docent, and a longtime member of the adult choir. Most recently, she lovingly cut ribbons for the Prayer Fence. Her generosity of time, talent, and spirit was felt by all who served alongside her.

Anne’s friendships and community circles were wide and deep. She was a cherished member of the Citadel Big Chill group, enjoying trips to Aruba, Europe, and especially the Drumbeat II sailboat adventures in the Caribbean. In Aruba, Anne loved her mudslides - but she especially loved a margarita. She adored her Soul Sisters and served on the James Island High School Reunion Board.

She held many roles, but the title she cherished above all was “Mema”. One of Mema’s greatest joys was cheering from the sidelines at her grandchildren’s baseball and soccer games over the years. Mema’s warmth extended beyond her family; her grandchildren’s teammates adored her like their own grandmother.

Simply put, Anne put her faith and family first in her life.

Anne is survived by the love of her life of 54 years, Russell “Rusty” John Patterson; her son, Russell “Russ” John Patterson, Jr.; her daughter, Carolyn Elizabeth “Elissa” Patterson Barfield; her brother, Robert R. Parnelle III (Nancy); four cherished grandchildren: Russell John Patterson III, Ellison Carlisle Patterson, Taylor Anne Barfield, and Tucker Jervey Barfield; her nieces and nephews and many more extended family members and friends who are family; her goddaughter, Robin Patterson Kienzle; and her godson, the late Kevin Buckheister, both whom she held dearly in her heart.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Carswell (Roper), Dr. Menon (MUSC), Dr. Jeff Rieder (Roper), and the MUSC pulmonary rehab for the amazing care and compassion they showed especially over the last 8 months.

Memorials may be made to St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 405 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403.