Beloved Presbyterian hymnwriter Joy F. Patterson dies at age 94

LOUISVILLE — Joy Frances Forster Patterson, a prolific and gifted hymnwriter who contributed to the work of both The Presbyterian Hymnal, published in 1990, and Glory to God, published in 2013, died Oct. 8 just three days short of her 95^th birthday. She was being remembered by those who love her as a wonderful mother, cherished friend and creative spirit.

“Joy Patterson’s work as a hymn text writer is an important part of congregational song,” said David Eicher, editor of Glory to God and a Fellow of The Hymn Society. Eicher noted her gifts “are well represented” in both hymnals, but “are only two markers of her amazing gifts to the wider church.”

“I give thanks for her life and witness, and count myself fortunate for having several opportunities to discuss congregational song with her,” Eicher said. “Thanks be to God for Joy F. Patterson.”

“Joy displayed a remarkable balance of head and heart, of intellect and imagination,” said the Rev. Sharon Youngs, who worked closely with Patterson to bring more hymns to Presbyterians. “Never one who sought the spotlight in our hymnal committee work, we listened when she did speak her words of wisdom.”

“She was always well-prepared, highly collegial and gifted with a witty sense of humor,” Youngs said. “Her abiding faith was reflected in her hymn texts, which have, no doubt, deepened faith and nurtured wonder in countless others, including me.”

Patterson was born Oct. 11, 1931, to George Francis and Joy Ella Andrews Forster, and spent her early years in Michigan and Illinois. After graduating from high school in La Grange, Illinois, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the alma mater of both of her parents. She graduated in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in French and was inducted into the Phi Betta Kappa honor society. Four years later she earned a master’s degree in French, having studied for a year in Strasbourg, France, as a Fulbright Scholar.

It was in Madison that she met Charles Duane Patterson at Pres House. They married in 1955 and were married for 65 years. The two moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, in the summer of 1959, where Duane began his legal career and Joy taught French.

The two welcomed three children into the household, and Joy turned her attention full-time to motherhood. She made a loving home for her family, full of music and books, homemade Halloween costumes and creative playthings.

Musical interests and a quiet but steady faith shaped Joy’s engagement in the Wausau community and beyond. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Wausau for 66 years and sang in the choir there for more than 50 years, also serving as a ruling elder. She sang for four decades with Wausau Pro Musica, through which she made many friends. She and Duane appreciated and supported many arts and music organizations in the Wausau area.

Her creativity blossomed in poetry and song, with a special gift for writing hymns and other church music. She wrote hundreds of hymn tunes and texts, and many are published in hymnals across a variety of denominations. Her poems and hymn texts often lifted up the beauty of Creation, the importance of hope and the call to care for others.

She served on a number of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) committees and was a long-time member of The Hymn Society. She also served on the board of Pres House.

Beyond her music, Joy had a zest for life and relished a good pun. She enjoyed visiting with her children, other family members and friends, and took pride in her favorite — and only — grandchild, Charlie.

Ill health in the last years of her life limited her activities, but she continued to appreciate music, her friends and her family to the end.

She was predeceased by her parents, her older sister Elizabeth Forster Glidden and her “Best Beloved,” Duane. She is survived by her children Elizabeth (Michael Hermsen), Catherine (David Wood) and Thomas (Mark Jakusz); a grandson, Charles Wood; and a niece and nephew.

A memorial service to celebrate Joy’s life has been tentatively set for Monday, Nov. 16, at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant Street in Wausau. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a memorial gift may give to First Presbyterian Church in Wausau, the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin or the musical or charitable organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed here.