Mother Patricia Ann Young

The Life of Patricia A. (McIntosh) Young

Proverbs 31:10 “Who can find a Virtuous Woman, for her price is far above rubies”

The Beginning …Patricia A. Young of Benton Harbor, Michigan, was called home to rest on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. She was born on March 14, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Gabrielle and Josephine (McIntosh) Duncan.  Mother Young was joined in holy matrimony to Rufus Young, Jr. on November 23, 1974. Together, they celebrated 51 years of marriage and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Catrena and Ursula.

Education…Mother Young received her education through the Cairo School District in Cairo, Illinois, and graduated from Cairo High School in 1964. She later continued her learning by taking various courses while working at Whirlpool Corporation.

Work and Community Service…Mother Young began her employment career in 1968 at VM Corporation in Benton Harbor, Michigan. In 1971, she continued her work at Hughes Plastic in St. Joseph, Michigan. The following year, she joined Whirlpool Corporation in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, Michigan, where she worked until her retirement in 2007.  Even after retiring from Whirlpool, Mother Young never truly stopped working. She continued serving as a security guard at InterCare in Benton Harbor. During her years at Whirlpool, she experienced periods of layoffs, but she remained determined and often said, “I will always work because I love taking care of my family.” During those times, she worked several jobs, including serving as a paraprofessional at Boynton Montessori for Benton Harbor Area Schools and as a manager at Hot ’n Now in Benton Harbor.  Her heart for service also extended into the community, where she volunteered at the Soup Kitchen in downtown Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Spiritual Life …Mother Young attended church from a young age and joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C.L. Woodson in 1969. She later came into Holiness and was saved in March 1976 under the leadership of the late Bishop Howard Thomas at Tabernacle COGIC.  Mother Young was faithful and serious about salvation. She lived the life she loved and loved the life she lived in holiness. She served willingly and faithfully in many roles, including YWCC President, Mothers Board member, Prayer and Bible Band member, Sunday School teacher, kitchen leader, choir member, and Platform Chair for all Tabernacle programs.
Within the Inspirational District and the Michigan Western Jurisdiction Department of Women, she served as President of the Deacons’ Wives and as a member of the Executive Board. Mother Young encouraged and inspired many women, spending meaningful time in fellowship with Mother Mary Ann Wells, Mother Norma Alford, Mother Josie Williams, Sis. Ophelia King, Sis. Wana Johnson, Sis. Florence Lilly, and 1st Lady Mary Harvell who spent over 50 years of sisterhood as her dear friend, travel partner, dinner companion and confidant.  She was truly an example to women both in and outside of ministry. In 2017, Mother Young followed her husband, Pastor Rufus Young, Jr., and became the 1st Lady of Tabernacle COGIC, where she continued doing the Lord’s work until He called her home.

Family …Mother Patricia Young leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Pastor Rufus Young, Jr.; her daughters, Catrena Williams and Ursula Young both of Benton Harbor, Michigan, “special daughter” Schenetta Robinson, and four grandchildren: Marcus, Julius, Nautica, and Jelani Jr.  She also leaves her sisters, Mary Yankey, Etta Kelly, Betty Duncan, and Pamela Edwards; one brother, Lorenzo/Bernadette Duncan; brother-in-law Curtis Young; sisters-in-laws Debria Young, Marie Silby and Tina Smith; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Precious Memories …Mother Young was preceded in death by her parents; two children, Joe Patterson and Tonya Patterson; her brothers, Bobby Duncan, Eark Duncan, and Frank Duncan; and her sisters, Esterine Townshend, Wilene Ortez, Sallie Duncan, Ida Duncan, Venour Johnson, Floretta Avant, and Eunice McClain.

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