Eleanor Jane Kneip Patterson 

(December 18, 1934 - February 27, 2013)

Eleanor Jane Kneip Patterson was born in her family home in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her parents, Roy and Lillie Belle McGall Kneip, along with brother, Jerre, welcomed her into the world on December 18, 1934. Jane and Jerre were soon joined by younger brother Robert. Her parents were pioneers in age group swimming in the state of Texas, and coached Jane to be a highly successful swimmer. Jane has been inducted into the Texas Swimming Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport as a swimmer, coach and lifelong supporter of swimming in Texas. She met Melvin Ray “Pat” Patterson at the University of Texas. They shared a love for teaching and working with young people, sports and the outdoors. They were married on August 12, 1955. Jane graduated from UT with honors and began her career as a teacher and coach in the State of Texas. She taught English and Physical Education, coached swimming, tennis and volleyball in San Antonio, Houston, Bryan, Westlake (Austin) and Sweeny. Pat and Jane together had 4 children; David, Wendy, Christie and Patrick, and then in 1975 they increased their family with the addition of Beery, Diehl, Niles and Trison Boggs. Jane was Grana to 20 grandchildren; something that she found great joy in. After she retired from teaching she spent her time traveling and camping with Pat; watching her grandchildren in their athletic, musical and dramatic endeavors; she loved being involved in their lives and watching them grow into fine young men and women; and traveling to Ireland, Scotland and England with her daughters. She also spent many years serving Sweeny as an officer in the Civic Club. She loved nature and photographing God’s creation.

Jane is survived by her husband of 57 years, Melvin Patterson of Sweeny; children, David Patterson and wife, Jo Evelyn of Aransas Pass; Patrick Patterson and wife, Courtney of American Falls, Idaho; Diehl Boggs and wife, Merry of Dalton, Georgia; Niles Boggs and wife, Lisa of Austin, Texas; Trison Boggs and wife, Ronnie of Wimberly, Texas; Christie Patterson of Katy; Wendy Hecht and husband, Kevin of Bay City; and Beery Sullivan and husband, Dan of Port Aransas; brothers, Jerre Kneip and wife, Alice of Kerrville and Robert Kneip and wife, Natalie of Sun City, Texas; along with 19 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Lillie Kneip. Jane accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized into the family of God as a young adult and spent the rest of her life studying the Word of God and encouraging others to do the same as a Bible study leader and Sunday School Teacher. Her life was a picture of the Proverbs woman (Prov. 31:10-31). Jane walked closely with her Lord and on February 27, 2013 she met him face to face. Praise Be to God.

She was a giant of a prayer warrior; her gentle and quiet spirit, her kind and generous heart, her wisdom and encouragement will be greatly missed by her husband, children grandchildren, family and friends. Her life was an inspiration to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Mission Offering in care of First Baptist Church of Sweeny, 402 N. Main St. Sweeny, Texas 77480.

Source: http://www.bakerfuneralhome.net/fh/print.cfm?type=obituary&o_id=1989060&fh_id=10661