The Life and Legacy of Violet J. Alford Patterson

Violet Juliet Alford Patterson

January 23, 1927 - July 1, 2026

It is with profound sadness that the Alford Family announces the passing of our beloved matriarch, Violet J. Alford Patterson. While our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the remarkable life she lived and the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind. Violet peacefully entered eternal rest on July 1, 2026, at the remarkable age of 99.

Affectionately known as “Aunt Vi,” she was the beloved matriarch of the Alford family.

Violet was born on January 23, 1927, in Little Hill, Oklahoma, to Emily J. Dunlap Alford and Wesley Dow Alford. She grew up in Weleetka, Oklahoma, surrounded by a large, close-knit family that instilled in her a love for faith, education, and service. She later made Tulsa, Oklahoma, her home, where she built a life centered on faith, family, education, and service.

A lifelong learner, Violet earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Langston University, where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated through the Alpha Zeta Chapter in 1948. She later earned her Master’s degree from Oklahoma State University and remained a proud Life Member of the Langston University National Alumni Association. She devoted her professional life to education as a teacher and administrator. Throughout her career, she inspired generations of students while mentoring fellow educators and young professionals. Her lifelong commitment to education earned her induction into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame.

In 1956, Violet married Lee Virgil Patterson, Sr., beginning a sixty-year partnership built on faith, love, and a shared commitment to education and service. Together they raised four children, creating a home where learning was encouraged, faith was lived, and serving others was simply a way of life. They shared a happy and devoted marriage until his passing in 2016.

Her faith remained the foundation of everything she did. Violet was a faithful member of Morning Star Baptist Church for more than sixty years, where she served in numerous ministries and built lifelong friendships. She was also a proud Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, celebrating more than seventy-eight years of continuous membership. Throughout those years, she faithfully served in numerous leadership roles, including Basileus, and later became a charter member of the Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Family was Aunt Vi’s greatest joy. More than fifty years ago, she helped establish what has become the Alford Family Reunion, helping shape many of the traditions that continue today. She believed family should stay connected and worked tirelessly to ensure future generations knew their history and remained connected to one another. In recognition of her lifelong dedication, she received the inaugural Alford Family Legacy Award in 2018.

Nothing made Aunt Vi smile more than watching her family grow and succeed. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren and celebrated every milestone in their lives. Whether it was a graduation, school program, church service, awards ceremony, birthday, or family gathering, she made it a priority to show up. She never wanted to miss an opportunity to encourage those she loved. As her family continued to grow, that same love naturally extended to her great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy and whom she adored beyond measure.

Her influence reached far beyond her own family. She became a trusted mentor to students, fellow educators, Sorors, nieces, nephews, and many others who sought her wisdom and encouragement. For many, Aunt Vi was the person you called for advice, a word of encouragement, or simply a listening ear. She celebrated the successes of others, offered guidance with love, and had a special way of making everyone feel valued. She inspired countless individuals simply by the way she lived her life.

Anyone who knew Aunt Vi knew she loved a beautiful church hat. She carried herself with elegance, had impeccable style, and was always beautifully dressed. Lee, an accomplished tailor with an eye for fashion, was every bit as sharp, and together they were known for their grace, style, and dignity.

Violet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee Virgil Patterson, Sr.; her parents, Emily J. Dunlap Alford and Wesley Dow Alford; and all of her brothers and sisters. She was the last surviving member of the Alford sibling generation.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Dr. Emily Patterson-Harris and Gwynell Patterson-Wilson (Robert); her sons, Lee V. Patterson, Jr., M.D. (Eric) and James A. Patterson; her grandsons, Erick W. Harris, Esq. (Melissa), Christopher D. Harris, M.D. (Amreen), Geoffrey L. Wilson, and DaShawn Patterson-Edwards; her granddaughter, Kendall J. Wilson; her great-grandchildren, Inayaah Winston, Carter Lee Harris, Olivia A. Harris, and Erick William Lee Harris; along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, Sorors, former students, church family, and dear friends.

Celebration of Life Arrangements:

Monday, July 13, 2026

Morning Star Baptist Church

1014 E. Pine Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106

Family Viewing: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Public Viewing: 3:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Ivy Beyond the Wall: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Celebration of Life Service

11:00 a.m.

Morning Star Baptist Church

1014 E. Pine Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106

Interment

Green Acres Cemetery

12410 N. Yale Avenue

Skiatook, Oklahoma 74070

Family Dinner immediately following the interment at the Morning Star Fellowship Hall.

**Service Attire: Shades of Blue with Pink Accents

We ask that you continue to keep the Patterson family, the Alford family, and all who loved Aunt Vi in your prayers during this time. Thank you for every expression of love, support, and kindness as we celebrate the life and legacy of one of our family’s greatest treasures.

Aunt Vi leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on through the family she loved, the students she inspired, and the countless lives she touched. She showed us the value of faith, the importance of education, and the strength of family. We are better because she was part of our lives, and we will honor her by carrying forward the example she so beautifully set.

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Lineage:

Violet Alford Patterson is the daughter of Emily J. Dunlap-Alford and Wesley Dow Alford; and

Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford and Lucy Berry-Alford.