Calethia Carr Patterson was born in Norfolk, VA on May 17, 1958 to Calvin B. Bailey, Sr. and the late Ernestine Lee Carr Brown. She attended the Norfolk Public School System and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She was a member of the Fighting Bookers Marching Band playing the clarinet; while her sister Sylvia was a majorette. Her family named her Lele which caught on light fire among her close friends. After graduating from high school, she entered the work force. She was employed with Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach as a Paraprofessional for over 25 years and remained in that position until her health no longer allowed her to perform her duties. Lele’s roots began in church, in Sunday School and the Junior Choir under the direction of the late Sis. Lena Williams. As a young adult, she sang with the McCollough Alternaters under the direction of Elder Andrews Williams, and the Norfolk District Mass Choir under the direction of the late Apostle T. Simpson. During such time her sister, the late Sylvia Carr Whitaker and the president. Her singing groups traveled to various stops on the East Coast singing for our spiritual leaders; and performing on numerous
musical programs.
Lele, the oldest of six children, loved to be in control; there was always a war between LeLe and Syliva deciding whose
house family events would be held. She was a loving mother to her deceased son, Danny, whom she loved dearly; and
she always made sure he had the best of everything. She always gave good life advice to her nieces and nephews and
her sisters (Lele believed in keeping it real), and to Lois who claimed she was her favorite. She addressed the facts of life
when their parents didn’t know how to approach certain subject matters. Sometimes they confided in Lele, when they couldn’t go to their parents. She loved family, loved to travel and enjoyed many memorable trips taken with Sylvia. Mark, the love of her life remembers the date they met at a pool party. He looked at her and said, “She’s the one”; and on August 17, 2002 they became united as one in marriage; dedicated and devoted for 17 wonder years. She dubbed herself the “Diva of all Times” and would not leave home without her big earrings. Like Sylvia, she had an infectious smile and ready to give you a huge hug of love and friendship. Memories of her loving ways will be missed by her loving and devoted husband, Mark; father, Calvin Bailey, Sr.; three sisters, Alma B. Richardson, Renee Bailey and Lois B. Adams (Harold); one brother, Calvin Bailey Jr. all of Norfolk, VA; Brother In Law, Reginald Whitaker of Norfolk, VA. Two Aunts, Melissa Williams (Dennis) and Shelia Bailey, all of Norfolk, VA; One Uncle, Clarence Bailey (Beverly) of Norfolk, VA; Four sisters-in-law, Nadine Patterson,
Patricia Wilson, Sylvia Howard (Napoleon), and Cynthia Hassan all of Norfolk, VA; One God Son, Carlos Wilson of Portsmouth, VA; A Special Friend, Patricia Braswell and two life- long friends Chrystall Elliott and Bonita Elliott both of Norfolk, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Condolences(12)-
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Erika says
June 12, 2019 at 8:42 pmI will always treasure the good times we have had. The laughs, the parties and the trips. We’ve had so much fun. She will truly be missed. Love you auntie.
Audrey DeBerry says
June 12, 2019 at 8:52 pmMark,
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. R.I.Paradise LeLe!
Sincerely Your Neighbors
Audrey & R.W.
Clabon Roddell Lowe says
June 12, 2019 at 11:03 pmMark I meet LeLe once and she was so kind to me.My brother may God’s love keep you during this difficult time.We family will keep you in prayer RIP LeLe.
Benita Harrison-Diggs says
June 13, 2019 at 8:49 amI grew up with LeLe and Sylvia and marched in the band at Booker T. No words can describe your loss. My condolences and prayers to the family at this time. May you find comfort in knowing that the Lord needed another Angel.
Naomi Fasulo says
June 13, 2019 at 3:24 pmMark,
Me heart aches for you. Calethia will always be with you and you have certainly gained an angel. I will miss her smiling face and our little jokes! I am praying for your strength!
Naomi
Tammy Murphy says
June 14, 2019 at 2:52 pmThe Special Education Department at Kempsville High will greatly miss Calethia’s presence in our department. Her smile was contagious. Mark our thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
Vee Howell says
June 14, 2019 at 3:50 pmMark, Alma, Lois, Renay and other family members, my fervent prayers are with you. I pray that our strong and merciful God will Bless, Guide and Keep you during this difficult time.
Bro. Michael Gates & Family says
June 14, 2019 at 6:46 pmI grow up with LeLe and all of her sisters, brother & aunts in Norfolk#1 UHOP. I remember all the good times with LeLe and Sylvia travelling up and down highways. “No matter how hard the task, God will take care of you”
Your brother in Christ, Michael
St. Barbara Britt- Hinton & Family says
June 14, 2019 at 6:50 pmTo the family, We send our heartfelt sympathy during your hours of bereavement.
Sis. Dorothy Askew- Etheridge & Family says
June 14, 2019 at 6:54 pmTo the family, Hold onto your faith, God is still in control of our lives!
vanetta covel says
June 15, 2019 at 7:18 pmMy sincere condolences. I was just informed of Calethia’s passing. I had not seen Calethia in several years, but always thought of her when I passed the apartments, although I knew she had moved long ago. Calethia and I met at the Research department together. I shall miss that smile, her laugh, those eyes, and yes, those big earrings. I automatically think of her when I get that occasional pedicure, as Calethia once declared, ” I believe in pretty feet !” Dear Calethia, you believed lin pretty EVERYTHING .
Rosemary Agee says
October 24, 2019 at 2:04 amMark, I’m so sorry for your loss. Calethia was a great friend at work and we’d love to laugh and get in trouble. I apologize for my late response since I moved to Oregon in 2012, I lost touch. I will always remember her smile and her birthday as it is the same date Brian and I got married… be blessed and may God strengthen you today and always. Rosemary