Kaye Patterson Wren

Kaye Patterson Wren, of Summerville, S.C. entered into eternal rest at 2:22 (angel kisses!) on Monday, February 17th, 2025. Born April 21, 1946, in Gaffney, SC, Kaye is survived by her husband, Dr. (Rev.) Joe Richard Wren of Summerville, SC; son Joseph Wren (Teresa) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; daughter Clary Wren Vance (Todd) of Jupiter, Florida; grandchildren Chloe Elizabeth Wren, Cille Patterson Wren, John Joseph (J.J.) Vance, Lilly-Kaye Vance, Wren Margaret Vance, and Georgia Mae Vance; and brothers Myron Patterson (Linda) of Spartanburg, SC and Barry Patterson (Madge) of Greenville, SC. She is predeceased by her daughter Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Wren of Summerville, SC and her parents, Hugh and Elizabeth Whelchel Patterson of Gaffney, SC. While attending Gaffney High School, Kaye was crowned homecoming queen, Peach Festival Queen, Miss Cherokee County, and a Miss South Carolina pageant finalist. She was a natural beauty with a bright smile and magnetic personality. In high school, she caught the eye of Gaffney football star Joe Wren. He recalls, “Lots of boys were after her, but I won. She was the only girl I ever wanted.” The two sweethearts wed shortly after graduation and continued pursuing their college education while raising a family. Kaye encouraged Joe to follow his call to ministry and embraced the role of preacher’s wife, faithfully serving alongside him at five different churches, including Summerville Baptist Church. For her own career, Kaye obtained her master’s degree in education and dedicated more than 20 years to public education, working as an English teacher at Sevierville Middle School (TN) and Summerville High School. She displayed a flamboyant love of literature and was awarded “Teacher of the Year” several times throughout her career. More important than content though, she cared deeply for her students and committed to mentoring, encouraging, and pointing them to Christ. Apart from teaching, Kaye enjoyed basking in the sun (said it was her vice), creating floral arrangements with the Summerville Garden Club, participating in the church programs, leading a ladies Sunday School class, teaching ESL classes, attending theatrical performances, and volunteering with Charleston Southern University Women’s Auxiliary Council, where she was instrumental in raising funds for student scholarships. Of course, her greatest treasure was spending time with friends, family, and especially her grandkids. Whether baking cookies, reading books, raking leaves, or shopping for stylish clothes, Mimi cherished time with the grands. In a letter, she warned them that “laziness is not tolerated in our family” and reminded them to “be strong in the Lord” and “roll up your sleeves to help others.” Kaye lived out those words of wisdom. She was a fighter. While battling cancer herself, she fiercely fought for and cared for her daughter Beth through her illness, and she continued to care for her husband even as her own body grew weak. Kaye’s sweet yet sassy personality coupled with her quick-witted humor and servant’s heart made for a preacher’s wife who could both genuinely minister to others and casually cut-up with friends. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 9th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and a celebration of life service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Summerville Baptist Church. Prior to the celebration, a graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 8th at Midway Baptist Church in Gaffney for family members. One of her favorite Bible verses is Micah 6:8, which instructs Christians to act justly, love mercifully, and walk humbly with God. Certainly, Kaye did just that… although her walk may have been more of a sparkly sashay! In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Joe and Kaye Wren Endowed Scholarship at Charleston Southern University or to Summerville Baptist Church. Charleston Southern University Office of Development 9200 University Blvd Charleston, SC 29423

Kaye Patterson Wren

April 21, 1946 - February 17, 2025