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Operating from Spiritual Principles
Honoring Mrs. Margaret Mitchell Patterson
The power of remembrance is critical to preserving the uniqueness of
culture, the spirit of kindred groups, the heritage of a people, and the
roots that connect individuals to their bloodlines. As I reflect upon
the 35-year history of the American Council on Education Office of Women
in Higher Education, I can only imagine the fortitude it must have taken
for my mother, Margaret Mitchell Patterson, to own and operate a
business as a mother. She was among the first African American women to
successfully operate a clothing store in the Allendale, South
Carolina’s business district.
Hard work, operating from spiritual principles, calculated
risk-taking, giving to worthy causes and pursuing knowledge were life's
lessons taught by my mother.
The late Margaret Mitchell Patterson loved life and positive
interactions with people and this made her perfect as the owner and
operator of a retail clothing store. A sense of responsibility and a
strong work ethic were instilled in Margaret as a child by her parents,
and she continued the legacy of service and dedicated work in her chosen
career as a business owner and retail manager. An equally important area
for this Allendale native was her devotion to spirituality and church.
Her Christian convictions were lived as she gave of her time, talent,
and treasure at the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in
Denmark, South Carolina. During Margaret's life, she motivated others to
do their very best and to strive for excellence; and encouraged her
children (Wanda and Dennis) and grandchildren (Dennisha, Dennis Jr. and
Christopher) to pursue education, because she believed that education
was the key that would unlock the doors of opportunities for them. My
mother enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, and fellowshipping with
family and friends. She was the strength and inspiration for me to
become a leader in higher education.
Wanda S. Mitchell
Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer
University of New Hampshire
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