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CJON was two months short of his 42nd birthday when he went home to be with the Lord on December 24, 2007. He was born on February 24, 1966, the third child of his parents, Virgil  Patterson and Delores Patterson. His mother died when Cjon was 13 years old leaving her only son and two older daughters, Lorie and Lia. For most of his life, Cjon’s mother was Jeraldine Patterson. He became the older brother to Justyn, Virgil Jr., Melodi, Joshua and Brian. Cjon was married for sixteen years to his wife, Denise. Together, they had four children- Shane (stepson), Kayla, Maya, and Cjon, Jr. Today, they mourn the grievous loss of his physical presence, as do his grandmothers, Jeanette Patterson, and Clotiel Weldon. His grandfathers, ‘Pops’ Patterson, and ‘Papa Jerry’ Weldon predeceased him. Cjon is also mourned by an older brother, Eric, mother-in-law Fannie Mendivil, sisters-in-law Tammy and Layonette, brothers-in-law, Lee and David Johnson, aunts, uncles, several nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of friends and associates.

Music was Cjon’s passion, his gift, his responsibility. Few people know that Cjon did not read music – he played completely by ear and from the notes and chords that God placed in his mind and heart. He started his musical performances when he was only three years old, beating drums on everything – walls, the bed, the table.

Cjon was the consummate “master musician” and performer: gifted, intense, passionate. His skills spanned the range of the performing arts – from instrumental music: he played the keyboard, the drums, the guitar – to film: he had a starring role in a movie, “Sea Gypsies” at the age of 12. Cjon was also part of “The Patterson Trio” with his sisters Lorie and Lia. He also formed and led a singing group, “The Men of Faith”, for several years, and trained several choirs with his dad in Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Georgia. His ministry included the training of singers, choirs, and musicians in Panama, Costa Rica and Japan.

Cjon’s primary musical focus was being the Minister of Music at his home church, Crusade Christian Faith Center in Inglewood, CA, where his dad was founding pastor.   Cjon provided music for all the services and special occasions.  He loved his instrument and played with every ounce of his being - eyes closed, sweat pouring, veins bulging, feet stomping, head banging - that was Cjon on the Korg!

Cjon’s true treasure was his family. He loved and was very proud of his wife, Denise, and children. Denise recalls that they met at a performance of “Miracle Worker”.  She  was fascinated by his smile, energy, phenomenal playing, and the beautiful inflections of his voice. Of course it didn’t hurt that he was strikingly handsome, with a unique fashion style- from cape to pointed-toe boots! Out of the spotlight, the private Cjon was her best friend, her “Bunky”, as she called him. They would talk for hours, sharing dreams and plans for their children. Denise remembers how loving and adventurous Cjon was.

To his father, Cjon was more than a son. He was his dearest friend! Cjon worked with his dad to develop the full and rich music and performing arts ministry of Crusade Christian Faith Center – an acclaimed choir, original music dramas, an orchestra, a Praise School, and new singing groups. More importantly, Cjon shared and supported his father’s Kingdom vision, and at each step of the way, encouraged him. Cjon could sense his father’s mood and encourage him with, “It’s going to be OK, Dad”. On their extensive travels, father and son shared time and meals. These were times of earnest conversation, of counsel, of mutual exhortation. Later, this time would include Brian, forging an even closer bond between the brothers. Cjon’s promise to his father was, “Dad, I’ll never leave you. I’ll always be with you, and support you.” He kept his word.

Melodi says that Cjon had a lust for life. Lorie’s opinion is that he had the outlook and energy of Peter Pan! It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Cjon also had that character’s keen sense of fun. When Melodi danced, he would stand at the back where she could see him, signaling his support and clapping loudly. He taught Brian about the piano and the guitar, and encouraged him to be a well-rounded musician, to explore different kinds of music, and to keep learning and developing. Brian says he will always treasure the opportunity to work so closely with his brother, an incredible talent.  Cjon often played one-on-one with Joshua and encouraged him to try out for his high school basketball team and excel – which Joshua did.

Cjon Damitri Patterson Sr. received a gift from God and was faithful in using that gift to honor God, and to serve His people. But Cjon was a gift to us from God – to us and to so many others. As we remember the times he made us laugh at his antics, inspired us with his zest for life, irritated us with his constant push for excellence in worship and service; lifted our hearts and spirits through his music – let us thank God for the gift of Cjon and resolve to use our gifts as passionately as he used his; to lavish our love over family and friends the way he did; serve God as joyously as he did.