Karen Patterson

Karen Leigh Patterson, age 55, of Biloxi, Mississippi passed away surrounded by her family and close friends on December 16, 2017 at Ocean Springs Hospital.  Karen was born in Orlando, Florida in 1962.  She resided in Biloxi the majority of her life.  She was a Biloxi High School graduate in 1980 where she graduated with Honors.  She went on to Delta State University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education.
Upon graduation, Karen returned to Biloxi to begin her dream of teaching. Teaching was Karen's calling.  It wasn't just her job.  She worked at Biloxi Public Schools for 29 years in Special Education and retired in 2013.  Karen truly loved and embraced disabled children from all races and all socioeconomic backgrounds. She was an advocate for these children and their parents.  During her tenure with Biloxi Schools, she honestly enriched the lives of her students and countless colleagues with her pure heart and steadfast dedication, and it was more than Karen could ever receive in return.  Karen was a modern day Anne Sullivan because she saw the potential and value of every single one of her students, and she loved them with a ferocity and believed that each one had a capacity to learn.  She taught children to read and learn that other people thought would be impossible to accomplish. There was no stronger confidant or cheerleader that a parent of a special needs child could ever wish to have than Karen.  Karen continued to work for Biloxi Public Schools and the Special Education Department even after her retirement.
Karen was honored as one of the Caring Women in 2014 by Biloxi Regional Medical Center and Cable One.  She was also honored as Teacher of the Year in 1987-1988 and Teacher of the Month in May of 1996.
Karen loved all things Disney and enjoyed visiting Disney World and her favorite character Goofy.  She loved Christmas and collected Christmas ornaments and decorations. She adored crafting, making blankets and wreaths, and baking for friends and family.  She loved playing games and enjoyed her Bunco group.
Karen was preceded in death by her grandparents Mr. and Mrs. RD Hamilton, Sr.; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Patterson, Sr.; and her loving cat, Saxie.
Karen is survived by her mother, Betty Leachman, Biloxi; father, Leonard Patterson, North Carolina; brother, Steven Troy Patterson (Kim), Biloxi; uncle, Bobby Hamilton (Tina), Virginia; nephew, T.J. Patterson, Biloxi; niece, Hannah Patterson, Biloxi; and loving cat, Baby.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ocean Springs Hospital, Singing River Health Systems, as well as Dr. Shahira Hanna, Dr. Mark McRaney, and Dr. George Loukatos.  Thanks to the many dear friends who gave their support and prayers during this time: Suzie and Ronnie Davis, Sandy Maddox Takacs, Ellen and Tony Cvitanovich, Rebecca and Ben Powers, Bryant Gilbert, Deborah Broussard, Dayna Baker, countless colleagues and two very special children, Mary Beth Cvitanovich and Max Powers that will miss her immensely.