Deborah W. Patterson

Deborah W. Patterson, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, July 3, 2026. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids.

Deborah was born on May 29, 1954, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Ray and Lyla (Mick) Williams. She graduated from Prairie High School with the Class of 1972 before continuing her education at Kirkwood Community College. On July 10, 1976, she married Dan Patterson. Deborah worked for Toys R Us and Target throughout her career. She also volunteered at St. Luke's, mentoring other newly paralyzed individuals. In her free time, Deborah loved exploring flea markets in search of antiques and vintage treasures. She was an animal lover who supported many animal organizations.

Deborah was extremely resilient in overcoming her disability and lived a very active and fulfilling life; defying what doctors had told her following the accident. She was the first woman in the State of Iowa to naturally give birth as a paraplegic - twice. Deborah was very involved with her children’s lives and activities - especially spending countless days at softball and baseball fields where she made friends with many wonderful people who admired her tremendously. She was always thinking of others and was a proud registrant of the Iowa Donor Network. 

Survivors include her husband of nearly 50 years, Dan Patterson of Cedar Rapids; her children, Cory (Courtney) Patterson of Newton, Iowa, and Cassie Patterson of Cedar Rapids; her brother, Scott (Teresa) Williams of Jefferson City, Missouri; and her special cousins, Jack and Jerry Fitzgerald.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved dog and faithful companion of 14 years, Jenni.