Doris Patterson

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Our beloved Doris Patterson passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, surrounded by members of her loving family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and great-great-great-grandmother, as well as a cherished sister, aunt, and friend. Her strength, creativity, and generosity touched everyone who knew her.
Born on November 26, 1929, in Jefferson County, Alabama, Doris was the daughter of the late Nathaniel “Bill” Ball and the late Bessie Ball, and the stepdaughter of the late Essie Ball. As a teenager, she accepted Christ and was baptized at Burress Temple in Lockland, a decision that would guide her throughout her life. From an early age, she embraced a strong work ethic and determination that became hallmarks of her character. Those who knew her admired not only her resilience and drive but also her entrepreneurial spirit and many talents, which she used to provide for and uplift her family.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in the kitchen, where she transformed her love of cooking into both a livelihood and a source of joy for others. Doris proudly owned and operated several restaurants, including the beloved Golden Fish Bar in Lincoln Heights. Her kitchens became places of nourishment, community, and opportunity—offering many of her children their first jobs and valuable lessons in hard work, customer service, and dedication.
Her gifts extended well beyond the kitchen. A skilled seamstress, Doris could study a garment and replicate it on her sewing machine with ease. It was not uncommon for her to redesign a dress or turn a simple bedsheet into elegant draperies, showcasing her creativity, eye for detail, and resourcefulness.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Doris enjoyed a long and meaningful career at Myers Industries. There, she built lasting friendships and earned the respect of her colleagues. Admired for her courage and fairness, she was elected Union Steward by her peers—a role in which she skillfully negotiated numerous labor contracts and served as a trusted advocate for employees. Her leadership was rooted not in title or position but in her deep commitment to equity for all.
Above all, Doris’s greatest joy was her family. She poured love, guidance, style, fun, and wisdom into each generation, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, devotion, and love.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Patterson; her uncle, Johnny Gales; her aunt, Lucille Parrish; her sister, Margaret Curry; her brothers, Charles and Willie Ball; and her grandchildren Monica Dudley, Chaz Dudley, and Omar Muhammad. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: son Johnny Dudley (Judith) and daughters Hope Dudley, Lucille Muldrow (the late Daniel), Laura Morrison, Kathy Thompson (Grady), Annette Cheatham (Joseph), Barbara Turner (Daman), Bridgette Wilson (Wesley), and Sheila Evans; along with 29 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, 60 great-great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters Joann Palm, Annette Watkins, and Brenda Hall; her brothers Franklin and Gerald Ball; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Doris shared a loving bond with her sisters-in-law Mary Dudley (deceased) and Loretta Gill and her dear friend, Mother Ann Suggs. She was affectionately known to her caring neighbors as “Ma P.” To those who loved her, she will forever be remembered for her warmth, her strength, and the values she instilled in every life she touched.

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