Carol Jean Wright-Patterson

Carol Bruce Wright Patterson, a lifelong resident of Bakersfield, California, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024, at the age of 64. Born on February 14, 1960, to Juanita Hunter Humphrey Bruce and Joe Bruce, Carol was raised by her maternal grandparents, Olie and Lucille Hunter, in a home filled with love and community spirit. She spent her entire life in the same house on Northrup Street, making it a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

Carol's career spanned several vital community roles, contributing significantly to Kern Medical Center, Kern County Library, the Kern County Sheriff's Department, and the office of Mayor Mary K. Shell. Her dedication to public service was deeply intertwined with her upbringing in St. John Missionary Baptist Church, reflecting her commitment to her faith and community. Known for her exquisite taste in fashion and interior decorating, Carol also had a deep appreciation for the black culture, which was a vibrant and defining part of her life and community involvement. Her warm heart and open door made her a well-known and cherished figure in her community.

Carol Bruce Wright Patterson will be remembered in Bakersfield for her outgoing, friendly, and caring personality, alongside her charismatic presence that made her beloved by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of community service and dedication that will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will resonate eternally within the community she held so dear.