Bethea Willis Wells Patterson

From Ocracoke prints by Bethea Raleigh Ida Bethea Willis Wells Patterson died on May 20 and began her adventures in heaven. She was born September 5, 1922 in Greenwood, Florida to Robert Allen Willis and Ida Bethea Willis. As a child in Greenwood, with her brother Robert Allen Willis, Jr. and sister Florence Willis Ziegler, one of her favorite summer adventures was swimming at the very cold, Blue Springs. She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Elementary Education.  After she married and moved to Raleigh, N.C., she received a Degree in Fine Arts from Meredith. She also studied with Mable Pugh at Peace College. In 1965, she received a Master’s in Education from University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Always learning, she took classes at the University of Virginia, N.C. State, and with various artists. During World War II she served in the Marine Corps. She met her husband James McSherry Wells, from Raleigh, N.C., when he was in the Army and stationed in Greenwood, Florida.  He was among the many soldiers invited by her parents for meals at their house. They were married June 1, 1946 and moved to Raleigh, N.C. where Mr. Wells became a noted jeweler, known for his custom designs. He died November 11, 1968. They have three children, James McSherry Wells, Jr. (Sharon) of Morehead City, NC, Matilda Wells Andrews (Jack) of Louisville, KY and Patricia Wells Coley (Doug Sanders) of Raleigh, NC.  Bethea’s husband, Alex MacLeod Patterson, whom she met at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, died October 25, 1996. Bethea remained grateful for her interesting life.  She was an accomplished artist and adventurous traveler. Many friends and family also continue to enjoy her favorite recipes. Her grandchildren remember her visiting their classrooms where she sketched quick portraits for each of their classmates. Her travels took her from India to Alaska, and include many a story about family camping trips she inspired. Bethea created wonderful memories for her seven grandchildren, Jackson Andrews (Elizabeth), MacLeod Andrews, David Coley (Cally), Leigh Coley (Ben Rogoff), Willis Coley (deceased), Catherine Wells Olander (Adam), and McSherry Wells, III. She marveled that she was a great-grandmother of five. She is treasured by her many friends and family, including her niece Elizabeth Willis Ziegler MacGregor (Bruce), her nephew Robert Allen Willis, III (Charlotte), nephew Wells Edmunson, Martha Stevenson, Rosa Thomas, and many others. We are grateful for so many who were a special part of her life, including Sunrise of Raleigh, Transitions Hospice, and White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, N.C. on Friday, June 10, at 10:00 a.m.  There will be a visitation following the service from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Art Education Program at the North Carolina Museum of Art.