Rev. Ezell Patterson

Reverend Ezell Patterson was born on December 8, 1934, in Ocala, Florida
to Jeff Patterson and Rosa Lee Adams.

Reverend Ezell Patterson was a graduate of Howard High School and
Jacksonville Theological Seminary with an Honorary Doctorate degree
on June 5, 2014.

Reverend Patterson dedicated his life to doing the Lord’s will. After serving on the Board of Deacons, Trustees and Trustees and additionally singing in the 1st Choir at Mt. Tabor, he was ordained and licensed as a Minister in 1976. Reverend Patterson became Pastor in 1976, succeeding Rev. James Hopkins. Under Pastor Patterson’s leadership, the church embarked on a truly progressive program, building upon the valuable lessons garnered from the early church.

His pastoralship brought numerous advances, some of which were the continued refinements
to the budget system; a nominating committee (pre-election selection system)for election of church
and auxiliary leadership; an executive committee (church council )made up of the Pastor, Ministerial Assistants,
Deacons, Auxiliary Chairpersons, Financial Secretary and Church Clerk o conduct the business of the church
at the planning level; an orientation committee to assist new members; the organization of a third choir
(Young Adults) and fourth choir (Mass Choir); the Brotherhood Men’s Missionary Society Deaconess Board
writing of formal bylaws package, benevolence response protocol; the renovation and expansion
of the worship center and fellowship hall, which was dedicated in 1994; annual church worship service exchange
was established with Bethlehem Baptist Church, Ocala, Florida, his home church in childhood and teenage
years of life and Pastor Patterson ordained four Deacons during his tenure as Pastor.

Reverend Ezell Patterson departed this earthly life for eternal rest on April 28, 2023, Sarasota, Florida.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Linell Patterson, sons, Robert Lee
Peterson and Sammie Lee Peterson, Jr., father, Jeff Patterson, mother, Rosa Lee
Adams and brothers, Boss Jenkins, Daniel Jenkins and Charlie Jenkins.

He leaves cherished memories to…

• His brother: Whitfield Jenkins;
• Grandchildren: Reverend Horice Rubin, Dante Peterson, Sammie
  Lee Peterson, III and Jennifer Peterson-Hielscher;
• And a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives
  and friends.