Princess Donetta Patterson was born on October 6, 1959 in Colorado Springs, Colorado to the late Kenneth (Donald) Patterson and Dorothy R. Johnson Patterson. She was the only girl in the family, and everyone just loved Princess. She graduated from Harrison High School in 1977, and then attended the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley which she graduated from in 1981. She also furthered her education with a Master of Arts and Education from the University of Phoenix in 2000, and a Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage, Family and Child Therapy in 2009. She was also a Registered Psychotherapist for the State of Colorado.
She began teaching in Colorado Springs School District No. 11 in 1982, and retired July 31, 2013. She was a member of the Colorado Springs Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Sorority, and very active in the Colorado Springs Lupus Support Group.
Princess volunteered her time, treasures and talents to many organizations throughout her lifetime. Wherever she found herself, she stood out in the crowds. Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world.”
Princess nurtured her spiritual needs at various churches, until she could no longer attend due to declining health. She was very grateful and blessed for the opportunity to re-affirm and accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
Sunset came on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at her home. Princess fell asleep in Jesus’ arms with her loving mother, aunt, son, brothers, and friends at her bedside. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Dorothy R. Patterson of Colorado Springs; one son, Yazeed A. Saajid; and three grandchildren: Kahlid Herbert Saajid, Lailah Ali Saajid, and Kareem Jihad Saajid. She is also survived by four brothers: P. K. (Stella), Kenneth Patterson, Steven Patterson, and Michael Patterson. She was fondly known as “Auntie” to four nieces: Symphony, DeAmber, Stephanie, and Mawuena; and nine nephews: Michael A., Jamar, Kamal, Michael D., Marques, Steven Jr., Senanu, Anthony Biado, and Najee Jackson. She is also survived by three aunts: Mrs. Mary F. Leake, Mrs. Gean Armstead, and Mrs. Ivory Mitchell. The last two years of her life were the happiest because of her relationship with her fiancé, Mr. Kevin Seagraves-Buford, who was also her best friend. She was also blessed with two devoted sisters-in-law: Mrs. Angelica Patterson, and Mrs. Angie Patterson; and two close friends: Mrs. Linda Jones, and Mrs. Samantha Hall, who were like sisters to her. She will be missed greatly by her numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and many, many cousins, the Friendship Baptist Church Family, Helen Hunt School, and many, many friends.
A Delta Sigma Sorority service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 and will be followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. all at Friendship Baptist Church, 633 East Dale Street. There will be no public viewing. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.