Patricia M. General

GENERAL, Patricia M. 8/1/1925 – 10/2/2017 Patricia was born to Mason M. Devereaux, Sr. and Ottomar Elligan Devereaux in Omaha, NE. She married Eddie General in Washington, D.C. Patricia was in her 40s when she received an Adult Education Diploma from Berkeley High School in California.She also took a few classes at Oakland City College (aka) Merritt College to improve her employment opportunities. She was a domestic worker, nurses' aide, postal service carrier (PT) and an aide for neurologically challenged children at the Diagnostic Center in San Francisco, CA. She also worked for Head Start in Omaha. While working as a postal worker during the Christmas season, she was determined to get the mail delivered, rain or shine. She arrived home drenched.Another time, she spoke of dogs on her route which owners had to retrieve so she could finish her route. She loved sharing stories and being with her grandchildren. Patricia's coping skills served her well when faced with adversity. She was adventurous.Her willingness to learn new things helped her build skills. Patricia played sports:basketball and baseball.For many years, her favorite team was the Brooklyn Dodgers. Patricia began bowling when humans set the bowling pins. But within a short time, automation became the standard.She joined bowling leagues and traveled to tournaments in Omaha and California.Occasionally, she bowled the ultimate 600 series which was announced over the bowling alley speakers.Other teams would clap and smile, and give one another high fives for her success.That moment of recognition was heartwarming. But Patricia knew the love for God was her greatest realization.She loved Saint John's A.M.E. Church.In return, she received love and encouragement from members, The Reverend Leslie R. White calmed many of her emotions because he gave her the gift of life, Communion. Her membership at Saint John's A.M.E. Church spanned more than 70 years.She believed in tithing and donating for special events when possible. Patricia grew up during the depression which greatly influenced her thinking. She acquired resilience and the ability to never give up when the curves of life were too hard to maneuver.It was untiring contacts by Violet E. Spraings from California who helped to keep Patricia moving toward brighter days. Their friendship lasted over 80 years. She was the last sibling. Those who preceded her passing: Father\Mother; Step-Mother, Lola Devereaux; former husband; Brothers: Carlyle, Mason, Jr, and Ellsworth; Sisters: Laura, Ozaree, Marjorie, Lucille, Eloise, and Maxine. Her daughter, Edith R. Turner, passed in 2015. Those remaining to cherish her memory: daughter, Frieda Boyd, Son-in-Law, Gene Turner, Sr.; Grand Children, Carol Shurn (Leon); Gene Turner, Jr., Stephanie General, Benson Donison (Stacy); Great Grand Children, Charmaine General, Jonathan General, Keyonna Shurn, Richard General-Purry, Amber Craig, Brett Craig, Cory Craig (Elizabeth); Great-Great Grand children; special nieces\nephews; Great nieces\nephews; other family and friends, Violet E. Spraings, oldest and dearest, Ernest Thornton, beloved and departed. Celebration of Patricia’s Life; Monday, October 9, 2017 at 10:00am, with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at St. John A.M.E. Church (2402 N. 22nd St.) Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery