Craig David Thomas Patterson

   Craig David Thomas Patterson, 58, of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022 in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

   Mr. Patterson was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on February 8, 1964, and was the son of the late Elwood Neil Patterson and Dorothy Jean Barber Patterson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Doug Perrin.

   Craig was a loving husband, a super fun dad, and a good friend to many. He loved nothing more than a Friday night pizza and a movie with his kids, reading a book on the beach surrounded by friends, and traveling with his wife sharing a 20 piece chicken McNuggets. Craig spent more than 16 years in ministry serving as a pastor from Mississippi to New York and more than 15 years working in social services serving children and families in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Throughout his time in ministry and social work, Craig mentored and inspired many pastors and social workers. He currently served as the Administrator of Camden County Department of Social Services and as pastor of First Church of the Nazarene in Elizabeth City.

   As friends have remembered Craig, almost all have remembered his love of God and his ability to reach people through his sermons. Craig had an ability to touch people’s hearts with his words, his music, and his love. He “adopted” many people and they became like second sons, daughters, and siblings to him. He loved his own family fervently and taught them all how to love others unconditionally. He had a big heart, a big smile, a big laugh, and he showed many people through his actions and words what it means to love.

   Surviving is his wife of 37 years, Kathleen "Kathy" Wilcox Patterson; a daughter, Holly Willoughby (husband, Austin) of Hooksett, NH; two sons, Joshua Patterson (wife, Mutinta) of Atlanta, GA and Samuel Patterson (wife, Tara) of Spring Hope, NC; a sister, Heather Perrin of Nova Scotia; two brothers, Neil Patterson (wife, Suzanne) of Nova Scotia and Kevin Howe-Patterson (wife, Charlotte) of Ontario; five grandchildren, Titan, Aurelia, Meliah, Samson, and Luka; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

   A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 6, at 3 p.m. in First Church of the Nazarene. Friends may visit with the family in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

   Memorial contributions in his memory may be made either to First Church of the Nazarene, 1085 US 17, or to Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families, 1403 Parkview Drive, both in Elizabeth City, NC 27909.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.