Reflections on Willie Holiday By Emmanuel Burrell
A Treasure, Mrs. Norine Patten-Williams
Wings of Angels
Reflections on Willie Holiday By Emmanuel Burrell
Our friend, Willie Holiday, is the kind of individual who lived a life that enhanced relationships. He was a strong Christian man who loved God with all his heart and was not ashamed of the gospel.
He was a physically strong individual who worked in the coal mines for a long time. But it wasn’ t his physical strength that left the greatest impression on one, but his inner strength that revealed the essence of how powerful he truly was.
Very independent, he possessed one of the greatest characteristics I believe a person can have and that is his curiosity. He wanted to know the truth about the world he lived in. He enjoyed exploring the world by going to different places, seeing new things and meeting new people. He was an accomplished pianist.
Although he later was confined to a wheelchair, his mind never ceased to explore, and he continued to travel. He refused to let his condition dictate his ability to live life to its fullest.
One can only want to mirror the love and relationship he shared with his wife, Leola. They were able to cultivate a lifetime of joyous memories in 33 years. Thank you, Willie Holiday, for the love, the joyous times, the memories, along with the hope you left in our hearts that will empower us to complete our journey, until we meet again.
A Treasure, Mrs. Norine Patten-Williams
A Celebration of the Life of Mrs. Norine Patten-Williams.
Mrs. Norine Patten- Williams’ sunrise was on June 12, 1911, in Batesville, Arkansas. The Father called her Home May 25, 2017, at her residence of seventy years in Albuquerque, NM. She was an angel on Earth that touched many souls throughout the course of her life. She let her faith in God guide her actions. She was the wife to the late Rev. J. S. Patten, and Rev. Dr. W. W. Williams. She served as the initial First Lady of Shiloh Baptist Church for nearly twenty years, and later served as First Lady to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Norine Patten-Williams also dedicated her talents to helping others in the community. She was one of the first African American settlers in the Kirtland Addition Neighborhood. After serving at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Norine Patten-Williams devoted her time working with the City of Albuquerque at Thomas Bell Community Center. She worked in the capacity of Senior Activities Director. In her retirement years, Mrs. Norine Patten Williams lived happily at home where she enjoyed cooking, singing, playing the piano, gardening, and spending time with her family. In her later years, she was cared for at home by her grandson, Victor Sayles. Mrs. Norine Patten-Williams celebrated her Centennial at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Her 100th milestone was also commemorated by President Barrack Obama, Governor Susana Martinez, and Mayor Richard J. Berry. For her 103rd birthday, the New Mexico House of Representatives declared February 12, 2014, to be Mrs. Norine Patten- Williams Day. Mrs. Norine Patten-Williams was a pillar in her family, church, and community.
27 Statewide Focus Magazine