Florence Patterson

In Loving Memory of Florence Ghoram Patterson
March 20, 1936 - September 11, 2026

There are some people whose lives are measured not by titles or possessions, but by the bridges they build between people. Florence Ghoram Patterson was one of those rare individuals.

Born on March 20, 1936, in Savannah, Georgia, Florence's life began in the segregated South before she and her mother joined the historic Great Migration to New York City. Raised in Harlem, she developed a deep appreciation for culture, community, and the resilience of people from every walk of life.

While living in Deer Park, Long Island, Florence became active in civic and political affairs, believing meaningful change begins at the local level.

In 1987, she founded Pamoja International Culture Exchange, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to promoting cultural understanding, education, and unity. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: love, understanding, and genuine human connection reduce fear and build stronger communities.

Florence enjoyed a distinguished corporate career, serving as an Assistant Vice President at Citicorp while continuing to nurture her vision of community engagement.

Later, Florence made Brasher Falls, New York her home. Through Pamoja she partnered with municipalities, schools, civic organizations, the Akwesasne Mohawk community, Amish families, and neighbors across Northern New York. She helped support Kids Night Out, collaborated in the early development of The World in Potsdam, and organized educational and cultural events that brought people together.

Her subsequent Peace Corps service on Gorée Island, Senegal, deepened and affirmed the values that had long guided her life's work, strengthening her commitment to cross-cultural understanding.

To Know Florence
Florence possessed the uncommon ability to make people feel seen, valued, and welcome. She believed every conversation was an opportunity to learn, every culture had something to teach, and every act of kindness could change a life. Whether speaking with civic leaders, children, volunteers, neighbors, or strangers, she approached each person with dignity, curiosity, and compassion. Her greatest legacy is not only the organization she founded, but the countless relationships she cultivated and the enduring belief that our shared humanity is stronger than our differences.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Dr. Chrysetta Patterson, DSW, MSW; her son, Carl Patterson Jr.; her grandchildren, Courtland Green and Topez Patterson-Brook; her great-grandchildren, Seven Green, Sia Green, Sovereign Green, and Syra Green; her beloved sister, Evelyn Ghoram; her niece, Whitney Ghoram, nephew, Glenn Harris ("Ari"); cherished extended family including Reannon, Heath, Aria, and Navy; and countless friends and colleagues.

Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pamoja International Culture Exchange, Inc., 600 Smith Road, Brasher Falls, NY 13613 or via PayPal to Pamoja International Cultural Exchange Inc. (501 c3)

Florence's influence cannot be measured solely by the organizations she founded or the events she organized. Her true legacy lives in the relationships she nurtured, the understanding she fostered, and the belief she instilled that every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to be known. Her life was defined by courage, compassion, vision, and an unwavering faith in humanity. Though Florence has departed this earthly life, the bridges she built will continue to carry others forward for
generations to come.

A celebration of Florence’s life will be held at her home, 600 Smith Road, Brasher Falls, NY 13613 on September 26, 2026 at 3PM.

Online condolences may be shared with Florence’s family at ww.fraryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, 60 Maple Street, Massena.

"It's all in Divine Order."