Ethel Mary Patrick, 64, passed away on November 8, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her father James Wallis and her brother John Wallis. She is survived by her mother, Ann Wallis; her husband of 31 years, Michael Dale Patrick; and children Mary Ann Bjorkman (Chris), John Michael Patrick and Katherine Dale Winning (Matthew).
Also surviving are her brothers Dave Wallis (Deborah), Jim Wallis (Janice) and Robert Wallis (Andrea). She is also lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
Born September 5, 1948 in southern California, she moved at the age of 8 to Brazil as part of her parent’s pioneering mission work. At this young age she learned how to navigate a foreign country and speak Portuguese. Upon graduation from high school, she returned stateside and attended UCLA. She graduated at the top of her class in English and was honored with membership in Phi Beta Kappa.
She returned to Sao Paulo, Brazil where she taught English at two schools where many international families sent their children: P.A.C.A. and Chapel School. She poured herself into the lives of her students. Many of them still talk about how Miss Wallis changed the direction of their lives by her example. Ethel thoroughly enjoyed this season of her life, traveling extensively abroad. She was never afraid of a challenge and bravely visited Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, England, South America and many other countries by herself at a time when it was very risky for a woman to travel alone.
In 1979, she felt called to pursue graduate studies in Communication at the fledging CBN University in Virginia Beach. Ethel excelled, earned her MA in Communication and graduated with honors.
While at CBN University, Ethel also met the love of her life, Michael Patrick, a fellow graduate student and journalist from Oregon. First and foremost, they were deeply committed to serving Christ in their work and in their lives. They served together as graduate assistants in the Dean’s office. They shared a love of travel, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. In June, 1981, they honeymooned in Hawaii.
Ethel had once thought she would never marry, but rather earn a doctorate and continue her earlier path as a teacher. But God had a different way for her to build into the lives of others. The Lord gave her four testaments in which she would write her life’s messages—Mary Ann, John and Katherine and her husband, Michael.
They made their home in Virginia Beach, where both Michael and Ethel worked at CBN. Soon other members of both their families joined them in Virginia Beach, including her parents, Ann and Jim Wallis. Eventually, God led them on a circuit around the country, related in part to Michael’s work. In addition to Virginia Beach, they moved north to Maryland and northern Virginia, then Charlottesville, westward to Oregon, then south to Atlanta, and finally returned to Virginia Beach. Throughout these many moves across the country, Ethel consistently modeled an enduring faith and provided a warm and loving home for her family despite the difficulties wherever they lived.
While Ethel grew up in the Church, Michael was much newer to the faith, which meant that in the practice of everyday life, they had plenty of opportunities to grow closer in faith and love in the Lord. Ethel’s intercessory prayer revealed the path. When things were difficult, Ethel never fought— instead, she interceded. With her gentle nudging, Michael and Ethel developed a lifelong habit of praying together every morning. Each of them would read a short passage from the New and Old Testament. They would talk about the challenges they faced together, and let nothing get between them. Then, they prayed. It was this practice— and God’s faithfulness to work in their lives— that cemented eternal bonds.
The family moved back to Virginia Beach in 1995, when Michael and Ethel joined Greenbrier Christian Fellowship, later New Life Christian Fellowship. They eventually became a part of a cherished, close-knit home group that has weathered life’s challenges for more than 15 years. Ethel’s modeling of home and spiritual life, and the priority she put on mothering, helped others to follow in her footsteps as she followed Jesus.
Ethel gracefully cared for her father, Jim, until his death in 2005, and when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she cared for her as well. Michael and Ethel enjoyed extensive travels, including a European tour for their 25th anniversary. Ethel fondly remembered the sound of birds singing and darting above the canals in Venice as her favorite place. Despite her own struggles with cancer these last few years, Ethel remained an example of graceful and sacrificial love. She modeled prayer and intercession as she poured out her life—and the life of Christ—into others. In her last days, Ethel remained peaceful and with a childlike, faithful trust in the Lord. She passed away on November 8, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 13th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Beach Fellowship, 1817 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 14th at 11:30 a.m. at the church, with a public reception to follow. Pastors Dan Backens of New Life Christian Fellowship and Ray Bjorkman of Beach Fellowship will speak, along with family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
* New Life Ministries Christian Fellowship to support young adults taking mission trips,
* Beach Fellowship to support orphans at their orphanage in Bolivia
* Or Chadesh to support her family’s ongoing evangelical work in Brazil via her brother, Jim Wallis.
Checks may be made out to the particular organization and sent c/o Michael Patrick, 969 Penhook Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
Your heartfelt prayers and expressions of love are so appreciated by each of us.
Please use the links provided to sign the online guestbook.
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To Ethel “F” Wallis Patrick – now free of pain and full of joy.
I can still hear her voice, can you?
I hear it in the crying of her children.
I hear it in the proud voice of her man.
I hear it in my own mind, softly.
I can still hear her voice, can you?
I heard her voice, did you?
I heard it when she read us Pooh.
I heard it when we teased our “F-oh”.
I heard it when she held our hands.
I heard her voice, did you?
He heard her voice, did you?
He heard her cry for mercy.
He heard her laugh for joy.
He heard her plead for others.
He heard her voice, did you?
They hear her voice, now strong.
Her father, her aunt, her brother,
Just welcomed her with joyful sound.
Now she hears all voices unhindered.
Will you step up and hear her too?
You can hear her voice as well.
First, hear His voice of love.
Then hear the cry of others,
Andtell their pain to God.
You too will hear His voice say,
Well done, my good and faithful
Daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt,
And friend.
Thank-you, F, from your humbled and grateful brother, Jim, Jr.
On this 23rd day of Cheshvan 5773– In Talmudic times, Cheshvan 23 was commemorated as the day on which the stones of the altar, which were defiled by the Greeks, were removed from the Holy Temple. We are grateful that today Ethelhas been fully cleansed from the defilement of cancer. Hallelujah!
Michael and Family/Jim,
Graduation is imminent this side of the return of Jesus. We knew Ethel primarily as powerful Intercessor. It is our turn to intercede for her family which we are doing. We offer our heartfelt condolences to each member of her family. Keep pursuing Love; Love never fails.
Carle and JoAnna
We have wonderful memories of Ethel and I look forward to seeing her again in heaven.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
Patrick family,
Praying for you so much.
I can’t imagine the world and my life without Ethel.
She was a treasured friend and I will miss her greatly.
Rejoicing that she has seen her savior face to face.
What a glorious addition to the heavenly ranks of saints.
Love, Jim Leary
Dear family
I knew Ethel more than 30 years ago, in Brazil. She was always vibrant and full of the Holy Spirit. Later, here in USA, we didn’t see each other but we had contact by phone and emails. She is precious! I imagine the lost is great, because she was a great woman! I had the privilege to knew her. Her rule in the Kingdom of God is clear: intercessor, friend, compassionate and a model. I ask God to fill your hearts with love and hope. God bless you all!
Dear Patrick husband, children, family……
I can hardly
accept the news I just received living far away and not knowing the details. However in prayer I have become very thankful again for your Ethel’s life and just knowing her as a soldier for the Lord Jesus and His wars.I asked the Father to mightily use His strong right arm to uphold you, lift you,encourage you, bless you, love you andyhuk send a special angel for the maintenance of this time.
w/affection to all the Patrick’s and Wallis Family
Elisabeth
with fond memories of a wonderful, Godly cousin
Dear Mike and Family, We know that no human is perfect — but we experienced that Ethel was as close to that high statue of anyone we have ever known. She will be greatly missed — but of course we know she is celebrating and so enthralled by her “new home!” Now, our focus is on you and her family — may God bless you so much with His great comfort and peace as the days move forward! Love always, Jeff & Jeanette Walker
Ann ………… are you there? Are you still with us?
In reading Jim Jr.’s tribute to his sister, I noticed that your name was not included with father, aunt and brother. I just looked through my 50th Birthday Book that was created for me by my Mom and Devi Chacney 15 years ago. I re-read the fabulous, funny and so very knowing tribute you wtote about me. So you have been especially prominent in my thoughts for the past few days. I send you my sorrow tied in blue bows and fragrant flowers, precious Ann. I remember Ethel, of course. Who could forget her if they had met her? Oh my wondrous friend, so much to say, but perhaps more appropriately in an email to you. Just know that I will love you always, treasure our Shabbat dinners together at your home and also the multiple times we enjoyed services at Beth Messiah together. You and Jim saw
me through joyous and
grief-filled times. Your friendship and the love you showed me is still in the very fabric of my being. I will pray for you and for your family and partiularly for Ethel’s husband and children. I know that Ethel’s contributions to the Kingdom were fathomless and significant. How could they not have been? She was, afterall, Jim and Ann’s daughter. Please have someone send me your email address. I love you deeply,
richly, fully and I send
air-born kisses to your mourning spirit and lovely face. I miss you, Ann and I will love you straight on through eternity. GOD BLESS YOU EVERY MINUTE OF YOUR AWESOME LIFE !!!!! Toni
There are no words, but a deep thank you, affection and love that is eternal.
Dear Ethel, you and your family have been friends for so long, but as far away as we are we shall always remember you. David and Sue, South Africa.
Our deep condolences to Michael & family.
We will always remember Ethel for her kindness and generosity.
She was kind of a person who makes this world a better place.
God bless you all!
My memories of Ethel will always be one of a humble, gentle, loving and merciful saint of God who faithfully carried out her intercessory ministry with the most amazing passion and grace. Never did I know a person who so poured out their life lifting up the needs of others as if she had no needs and desires of her own. I shall always be grateful for the countless times she gave herself in intercession for the prayer needs of our family over the many years we were honored and privileged to know her. Her listening ear, caring heart and the words she offered from the Lord were always a great source of hope and encouragement. She greatly inspired and touched our lives and God moved many a mountain through her prayers in our behalf. Her presence with us will be greatly missed. There is no doubt that her reward in heaven is great for she truly poured out her life like a drink offering, fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished her race. We extend our heartfelt prayers and sympathies to each and every member of her family.
Muita dor,pelo falecimento da querida Ethel,ao mesmo tempo muito consolo por saber que ela está com o Senhor,pois venceu o bom combate e guardou a fé.Que Deus console o coração de toda a família. Um grande abraço, com muito amor,de Dinah Diniz Branco e
família.
May the Lord comfort your hearts with His Peace. I have many fond memories of Ethel at PACA!!!
Dearest Michael,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Ethyl’s passing. Louise called me crying – I am so very sorry. What a light she was! A beautiful, shining light.
We know that you will miss her with all of your heart. Please know that our prayers are with you. God’s blessing on you and your family.
Words cannot express the loss. Michael and family…our hearts go out to you. Yes, Ethel’s better off, but oh, she was so special we grieve for we miss her. She was such a faithful servant of Christ’s.
Dear Mike and family,
Amigos y hermanos, as shocked as I was to read of Ethel’s home going, I was blessed in knowing that a worthy saint has gone to her heavenly Father. I remember her as a vibrant, enthusiastic, and deeply committed sister in Christ, a mother, and a loving wife. Michael, my prayers are with you during a time when only the Father’s loving arms can provide the love and solace that Ethel gave, and still gives, to you. Muchos huggos, rq
I’ve never met her but my son in law is Shawn Patrick and I know he and Sharon thought the world of her. God Bless you all. Its so hard to loose the one you love.
We will always love, and never forget, Ethel. One of God’s wonderful saints, a great wife, and a great mother. She will be missed until we see her again.
Michael, Ethel´s life was an inspiration. I am praying for God to bless you and bring healing and grace while you grieve. God Bless You. Alex
I sorely miss Ethel already. She has such a fervent heart of love for The Lord, which I am sure is being expressed now with great joy and freedom. Bet she has already asked Him exactly when each family member is arriving too!
We pray for the “oil of joy for mourning and a garment of praise for the spirit of heavyness.” For Michael and all members of her family.
Mike (Dr.Michael) and family.
Obviously our prayers are with you, and Ethel is with Jesus.At various times over the years we were recipients of Ethel’s prayers for us and our family. Ethel now knows the fruit of those intercessions. Now she has a face to face conversation with her Jesus she served so faithfully.
We stand with you and if there is anything we can do, we’re here.
With much love,
Scott & Nedra Ross
Ethel is one of the most special people that we have ever known in our lives. What an additional privilege to have called her friend. She will be missed deeply by us both, but we will never forget her blessing in our lives for the rest of our days!
Michael — my thoughts and prayers go out to you — what an incredible woman you married … to list her occupation as “homemaker” is correct but hardly enough. She was an amazing “encourager” — especially to those of us trying to make it in the difficult and complicated world of television and film. Prayers go out to you and your family. Love, Rob Loos
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of such a godly woman and inspiration to many. We rejoice however because she has seen her full reward. We pray for joy to replace the sadness that you may have.
Our loss is heaven’s gain. Our hearts go out to you, and we pray God’s peace to keep you during this time.
Dear Michael and family, Ever since I heard that Ethyl went to be with the Lord, I keep being reminded that she is now part of that “great cloud of witnesses.” (Heb. 12:1) She has run the race faithfully and now she sees Him face to face. I am so grateful that I had the privilege of knowing her and you and I pray you will be comforted by the power of the Holy Spirit today and in the days to come. LIfe is so brief, but eternity so enduring. May we all follow her example and fight the good fight. May God bless you and your family as you travel through the days ahead. May He hold you in the palm of His hand. God bless you richly.
Dearest Michael and Family:
Ken and I were stunned by the news of Ethel’s passing. she was one of the most vibrant and loving women we’ve ever met. Such an encourager too. We had no idea that she was battling cancer again.Please know that you and the children are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry we are so far away and cannot be with you as you celebrate her life tomorrow. We look forward to spending some time with you. What an extraordinary woman and an extraordinary life who blessed so many. I can only imagine the celebration in heaven! Love and Blessings! Susan and Ken Wales
Bendito seja o Nome do ETERNO, por tudo que Ele fez e faz, por Sua bondade demosntrada de formas muitas vezes incompreensível. Bendito Aquele que constintui nomes na Terra, para a lembraça carinhosa dos peregrinos.
E que Ele conceda força e alegria aos que sentem saudades.
Eventhough I haven’t enjoyed Ethel’s smile in many years, I fondly remember her impact on my life as a young 20ish newcomer to the CBN community. She modeled a strong faith in God and that influenced me to walk more closely with God.
Michael, John, MaryAnn, Katherine
My heart goes out to you.
Dear Michael, no words can adequately express our sadness over the passing of Ethel. We mourn together with you and your family. While her separation from us is her homecoming with Christ, our Lord knows it comes with many tears and deep sorrow. He loves you. He grieves with you and will carry you and your family through.
Ethel, good and faithful servant, we can only imagine what you’re seeing right now. You’re standing before our Lord, our God, witnessing heaven’s glory! Are you singing? Are you dancing? Are you talking with Jesus?
Ethel was a daughter to me. She was a perfect daughter, wife and mother. We spent many hours talking and praying together.
We already miss her so much. I look forward to the day we will meet together in heaven.
Our prayers go out to the Patrick family. What an amazing life Ethel had and what a legacy she leaves. I rejocied just reading about it! – The Carraway Family
Michael,
We are so sorry for the loss of your life partner. Please know that you are in our prayers.
George & Tonya Kuffel
Michael,
My deepest, heartfelt sympathy in the loss of the love of your life. God’s Holy Spirit will comfort you and give you peace. It is a difficult journey to walk but with Jesus, you are not alone. Hang on to Jesus!
Dear Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Ethel were a great example of what marriage is all about. I am so glad she found her way to Regent again and that I got to know her.
Dear Michael,
We have reflected over these last few days on the sweet memories of our time spent together with you and Ethel on Martha’s Vineyard. We will remember your dear Ethel as a fun, vibrant & Godly woman.We pray the Lord will give you & your family the comfort & peace that only He can bring.
With our love,
Don & Valerie w
Please accept our condolences, our prayers are with all of you.
Michael, my prayers are with you and the family. Ethel was a good friend and I grew from just knowing her. I will miss our great conversations and her friendship.
Our hearts and prayers are with you all. We are so grateful to have known such a wonderful saint. Thank you………..May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you………
I remember Mrs. Patrick as a prayer warrior. she has lifted me up in prayer MANY times, and I know God has heard her prayers
Michael, we’ve been through some incredible roller coasters together where we’ve seen God work in miraculous ways. Through it all, Ethel and Elizabeth played a vital foundational role as intercessors. Before she met Ethel, Elizabeth had a very strong prayer life. I praise God because He used Ethel to teach Elizabeth how to go much higher and deeper to the point of becoming a prayer warrior. That is part of Ethel’s incredible legacy. And that legacy keeps on bearing fruit since in the last few years Elizabeth has trained over 20 women to go to a much deeper level in prayer.
May God continue to take you in His arms and fill you with His love and strength as you go through this intense period of time. You are in our prayers.
David & Elizabeth Hurtado
I wish I could have met you, your mother-in-law only has the best to say about you.
So sorry for your loss. I am so sorry I was not able to come to the services. I pray the Lord will continue to comfort you all in the days ahead. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and I am glad I was given the opportunity to know her even a little bit. Blessings to all of you.
Dear Michael and family,
My deepest and sincerest condolences to all of you as you mourn the loss of such a courageous and loving woman. I apologize that I was not able to attend the services for her as I was out of town during those days. But please know that I share in your grief. Words cannot aptly express the sorrow you feel in this wordly separation from her. I had the wonderful privilege of praying with Ethel several times–and what a mighty warrior! With these holidays approaching, I know her absence from us will be striking. I pray for strength, comfort and love from the Lord to surround all of you continually.
Blessings to all of you.
Ethel was and is an extraordinary woman, gifted with prophetic discernment, and a fervent heart of love for both her Lord and others , which expressed itself in ardent and effective intercession, wise counsel, and caring acts. Even when she was undergoing a trial, she would pour out her heart in prayer for someone else, in a heartbeat. She has a great sense of humor, and a large compassion.. She would often say “mercy” when hearing of someone else’s trial, or “I can’t imagine”.
She was a gifted teacher, remarkably articulate, and excellent at communicating. What fun it was to hear her laugh, sometimes at herself. And to hear her wry humor. She loved her family beyond words, and spent much time interceding for them as well as others. Only eternity will reveal the depth and varieties of the ways the Lord has used her life. What an amazing loyalty she lived out, to The Lord, family, and friends. The world has been changed and blessed through her life. I can’t wait to see her again, and my longing for heaven has been increased by her presence there.
‘
The Patrick family is in our hearts and prayers. We grieve for your loss and we celebrate Ethel’s beautiful life and lasting legacy she left in the world. We were blessed to know Ethel!