Virginia Catherine Patterson, born in Taiban, New Mexico on January 23, 1931, and died of pancreatic cancer on September 12, 2012. Her parents were Edward and Edith Patterson.

Virginia graduated from Chelsea High School located in Chelsea, Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa. She received a master's degree in Biblical Studies from Columbia International University, Columbia, SC, attended Prairie Bible Institute, Alberta, Canada, and earned a doctorate in adult education from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. She served with the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) for 10 years and taught missionary kids (MKs) at Kent Academy in Nigeria, Africa. In 1969 she joined the staff of Pioneer Girls/Clubs in Wheaton, IL and served as the president/CEO for 27 years. She was instrumental in directing curriculum updates and new program initiatives to the children's club and camping ministry of Pioneer Clubs.

Virginia was an adjunct professor teaching Christian education, adult education, and management at Wheaton College, IL; Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, MA; Columbia International University, SC. She served on Pioneer Clubs, SEND International, Christians for Biblical Equality and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability boards where her ministry and business expertise were deeply appreciated and valued. She was an ordained elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and served on several denominational committees. She loved her country and was an active Tea Party Patriot. She authored several books including, In Touch With God, Group Discipline That Works and numerous articles for various books and publications.

Virginia lived in Wheaton for 10 years, in Carol Stream for 15 years and Bartlett for 10 years but her circle of family and friends is worldwide. Virginia always enjoyed visiting with her MKs, college and seminar students, fellow missionaries, Pioneer Clubs® and Camp Cherith® alumni, family and friends.

Virginia made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ while a student at Tulsa University. She was active in the InterVarsity chapter on campus. Throughout her life her desire was to serve Christ and share the good news of the Gospel with others.

Virginia was a strong advocate for women's equality. She was passionate about the biblical role of women in the church, home, work, and community. She was active in helping the organization of Christians for Biblical Equality form and remained a stronger supporter of this ministry over the years.

Virginia was a loving, caring and energetic teacher, missionary, employer, friend, neighbor, aunt, cousin, and sister. Her Christian commitment was evident in all she did at work, home, and church and in the community. She was always an encourager of people and enjoyed helping them grow in their faith. She had a special love for children and enjoyed spending time with her nieces, nephews, and their children. Her love for children extended beyond her family and included the wonderful missionary kids she taught in Africa and the children attending Pioneer Clubs across North America.

She was also an avid world traveler with trips to Europe, Mexico, Canada, Asia, and the Caribbean. She engaged in many outdoor activities, such as tennis, golf, skiing, camping, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.  Her favorite pastime was reading. She was an eclectic reader and enjoyed novels, mysteries, historical fiction, biographies, and current political topics.

Virginia is survived by a sister: Allie Patterson Hawthorne (Dorwin); brother-in-law: Ralph Bailey (Thelma); nieces: Doris Ann Bates (Denton); Tonja Hill O'Niell (Jim); nephews: Sheldon Johnston (Linda); Dwaine Bailey (Michael); Bobb Johnston (Ivy); Scott Hill (Pam); Stuart Hill (Charlotte); Jason Patterson; four grand-nieces; seven grand-nephews, and her dear friend Judy Bryson.

A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 29W260Batavia Road, Warrenville, IL on Sunday, September 16, at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pioneer Clubs, P.O. Box 788, Wheaton, IL 60187-0788 USA or Christians for Biblical Equality, 122 West Franklin Ave, Suite 218, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2451 USA.