Barbara B. (Brimage) Patrick

Barbara Lucille Brimage Patrick

In the early hours of January 10, 2023, Barbara Lucille Brimage Patrick made her journey to the Lord at the age of 86 at Montgomery Hospice Casey House in Rockville, Maryland.

Barbara, or “BB” as she was called by many, was born on August 25, 1936, in New Bern, NC, in the community of Pembroke. She was the youngest child of Robert Saunders Brimage and Estella Almetta Rouse Brimage. Barbara attended West Street School in New Bern and, upon graduating in 1954, attended Livingston College in Salisbury, North Carolina. She graduated from Livingston in 1958 with a BA in Sociology. Barbara also received a Certificate in Human Behavior from Hunter College in New York.

Upon graduating from college, Barbara moved to New York City. On December 17, 1960, Barbara was united in holy matrimony to James Edward Patrick of New Bern, North Carolina, at St. Peter Claver RC Church in Brooklyn, NY. To this union, three beautiful children were born. Barbara had a long career as a Social Worker for the New York City Department of Social Services. A skilled communicator and born leader, Barbara was very successful, eventually serving as a Supervisor. After more than 30 years of service, Barbara initially retired in 1992 and moved back to New Bern, NC. In New Bern, Barbara worked briefly in Adult Services for the Pamlico County Department of Social Services before committing to retirement officially a few years later.

Barbara was a devoted Christian and began her faith journey as a member of Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church. Upon her return to New Bern, she attended St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Barbara was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and was an active member of several chapters, including the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter, where she pledged in 1984, and the New Bern Alumnae Chapter. She also enjoyed her role as an Eastern Star for many years.

Barbara loved cooking and hosting family and friends in her home, and everyone was always welcome. She kept in touch with loved ones, often talking on the phone for hours throughout the day. Barbara was very adventurous and enjoyed traveling and taking “road trips.” Her most memorable journey led her to the inauguration of Barack Obama, gladly bearing the cold weather for such an honor. Barbara also delighted in the occasional visit to casinos to play the slot machines, always staying until she broke even. Returning to her beloved Livingston College for homecoming festivities was, perhaps, one of her favorite activities. She returned to her Alma Mater as often as possible. Family members admired Barbara for her ability to support, encourage and direct those she loved.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Patrick, Sr; her parents, Robert and Estelle Brimage; siblings, Leroy O. Brimage, Charlie E. Brimage, Nan Brimage, Georgia Brimage Fisher, Caroline Brimage, Iris M. Brimage, Bernard L. Brimage, and Verna L. Brimage; in-laws, Odessa Brimage, Slyvester B. Fisher, Robert Patrick, and Joseph Patrick. Those left to cherish her memory are sons Leroy Hawkins, Jr. (Irene) and James Patrick, Jr. (Ninette); stepson, Antonio Thomas (Deloris); daughters, Angela T. Patrick and Ronné Patrick Turner (Homer); grandchildren, Jason Hawkins, Benjamin Hawkins, Brittney Thomas, Raven Thomas, Nicolas Patrick, and Kendall Turner; great-grandsons, Seth and Lucas Hawkins; in-laws, Queenie Cotton, Ernestine Patrick, Earl “Jimmy” Patrick (Carol), Connie Patrick, Patricia Patrick Rone (David), and David Patrick; nieces, Catherine Moore, Constance Fisher Mallory (Vincent Derek), Robin Brimage, Jolene Brimage Prosper, Cecelia Patrick Milteer, Angela Patrick Parker, Stephanie D. Patrick, Constance E. Patrick, Donna Cotton, Cozette Monet King, Shonté Anderson (David), Lucretia Patrick, Wanda Patrick, and Tiffany Patrick; nephews, Robert L. Patrick (Lesley), Jr., Brian Reginald Patrick, Anthony Ricardo Cotton (Darlene), Jerri Robert Fisher, David Patrick Jr., Michael Patrick, Ricky Earl Patrick, and Michael Yates; “sisters and brothers in spirit” Odessa Green, Delores Griffin, Marjorie Young, Ely Chadwick. And a host of other relatives and friends.

At family's request, if you are sending flowers, please have them with red and white flowers, in remembrance of Barbara.