Act I: Mae Helen Patrick (1937 – A Life Unveiled)

Mae Helen Patrick, born on January 27, 1937, to James Monroe and Mildred Inez Jones McJunkin, embarked on the captivating Act I of her life, a tale woven with resilience, love, and purpose.

Graduating from Sterling High School marked the beginning of Mae’s journey. Guided by familial ties, she followed her brother James McJunkin Sr. to Cleveland, Ohio. In this vibrant city, fate led her to Curtis Ronald Patrick Jr., and from their union blossomed two cherished souls, Curtis Ronald Patrick III and Eric T. Patrick Sr.

Mae ventured into a remarkable career at Wilson Shoes, dedicating over two decades as a store manager. Her love for sales and genuine care for customers endeared her to many, fostering enduring connections that outlasted her tenure at Wilson Shoes. Transitioning to CMHA, she dedicated herself until her well-deserved retirement in 2015.

Mae’s spiritual journey unfolded at Affinity Missionary Baptist Church, founded, and pastored by her brother James Edward McJunkin Sr. Her quest for knowledge led her to graduate from a 4-Year Bible Study class, a testament to her unwavering faith and commitment.

Adoring her sons with unwavering love, she instilled the values of faith, respect, integrity, and love, encapsulated in her favorite quote, “Be all that you can be, and don’t forget to pray.”

In the intricate tapestry of her life, love found its way back to Mae when she encountered William Childress. For 36 years, their shared experiences—shopping escapades at Macy’s, Sears, JC Penney, Dillard’s, and Sam’s Club, dining at Red Lobster and Bob Evans—became the chapters of a love story that echoed until her last breath.

Act II: Mae Helen Patrick (AKA Ms. Mae) – A Symphony of Love

The passing of her eldest son, Curtis Ronald Patrick III, signaled a transformative Act II in Mae’s journey. A decision made by her son Eric and his wife Xaviera for her well-being led her to an assisted living facility where she flourished.

Vista Springs, later transformed into American House, became the stage for Act II. Affectionately known as Ms. Mae, she became the heartbeat of the facility, cherished by nurses, aids, cooks, and staff alike.

Facing the challenge of early dementia, Mae’s memory remained alive through the unwavering support of her immediate family—son Eric, his wife Xaviera, grandkids Chase and Shanna, Sister Jean, Uncle Joe, and William Childress. Her son would come every morning to lay her clothes out for the next day and give her Gatorade and water. He ensured that the nurses distributed her medications efficiently and was always willing to advocate for her health when dealing with her doctors.

In the vibrant tapestry of American House, Ms. Mae became the life of the party, bringing laughter, joy, and a love for Subway and Lay’s potato chips. Her rhythmic hips and love for bingo added a symphony of merriment to the community.

It was the love that surrounded Mae that guided her home on Friday, January 12. Countless hospital visits and rehabilitation efforts marked the past couple of years, and as her body wearied, she found solace in hospice at American House. A final blessing unfolded as she returned to familiar walls, embraced by the love of family, nurses, aids, and staff until the end.

Mae lost her beloved son, Curtis R. Patrick III, in 2014 but leaves to mourn her passing, son Eric Terrell Patrick Sr. (Xaviera); Two granddaughters, Nyah Symone Patrick and Shanna Elise Patrick; two grandsons Eric Terrell Patrick Jr. and Noah James Patrick; one brother, Joe Douglas McJunkin (Ethel); one sister, Ruth Jamesa Adams (Theodore); the love of her life and fiancé, William Childress, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. One brother, Rev. James Edward McJunkin Sr. (Margaret), and one sister, Eleanor Jean Turpin, preceded her in death.