Dr. Wilma Hall Patterson studied Biology and Chemistry as an undergraduate student at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University).

She spent the early years of her marriage as an Air Force family, living first in Iowa, where Wilma enrolled in Medical Technology studies and was employed in the field while living there. She left Iowa and she lived with her family in Tennessee while her husband served a tour in Canada. Wilma worked at St. Jude's Hospital for Children as a Laboratory Technician while living in Tennessee.

She then moved to Arizona. Wilma worked in the Bio-Chemistry Laboratory at ASU for the next three years. She then went back to school this time at ASU and completed her undergraduate and master of science studies and degree in Biology.

Shortly afterwards, Wilma began a 26+ year teaching career in the Maricopa County Community College District, initially at Mesa CC and long term at South Mountain CC, beginning as the founding faculty member in Biology. Accompanying her extended meritorious service to the college, students and South Phoenix community, Wilma enrolled in a Doctoral Program at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, from which she received her Doctorate of Education Degree with special emphasis in Curriculum Development in 1991.

She had memberships in a number of organizations throughout the Metro Phoenix community, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Scottsdale Smart Set, serving as an Elder at Southminster Presbyterian Church and in its Women's Guild, Valley of the Sun YMCA as well as a number of organizations which she very actively supported including South Mountain CC STARS Program and Blacks Against Cancer.

She leaves Cecil, her husband of 62 years; a daughter; two grandsons; a son; three sisters; and a number of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom were very special to Wilma.

She was predeceased by one sister.

A memorial service was held on June 3, 2026.