E. Patricia Duren Waddell was born on June 28, 1941 in Sumter, SC. She was born to Carnes and Fannie Stukes Duren and raised from infancy by Francis and Hattie Ramsey Duren in Wilmington, NC. She graduated as an honor student from Williston High School in 1959, then attended Elizabeth City State University, where she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She later graduated from Francis Marion College in 1977 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. She earned her Masters of Education degree from Cambridge College in 1998. Over the course of her 30-year career, she was a loving and well-respected educator in Wilmington, NC; Columbia, SC; Sumter, SC; and Lee County, SC.

In addition to her active involvement in her community with Jack and Jill Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the music and children's ministry of her church, she was well-known for her beautiful singing voice and natural gift for musical pedagogy. Patricia was the guest artist at many elite settings across the country, including the White House in Washington, DC, and the
Alpha Kappa Alpha International conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. She also garnered several awards and accolades for her gift of music. She proclaimed that her ability to sing was a gift from God and used it as a "glorious ministry in service to Him."

In 1962, she married Kenneth Richard Waddell, and they raised four children: Melvynn Tremaine (Malone), Keni Richell (Barnard), Jewelle Patreice (Heriot), and Kyle Alexander.

Sheis preceded in death by her brothers James Duren, Carnes Duren, Freddie Duren, and Charles Amos.

Her surviving siblings, David Duren, Elizabeth McFadden, Loretta Logan, Titus Duren, Tommie Duren and Francis Duren will miss her dearly.

She leaves in legacy her four children and nine grandchildren: Austin Barnard (Laurel), Corey Barnard (Kayla), Patricia Delise Germond (Evan), Cameron Barnard, Jordan Webb (Deletra), Joshua Heriot, Taylor Patriece Malone, Kahli Waddell, Zion Waddell; seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She touched the lives of many through the love she gave to her family, her community, and the public education system. She was adored and will be greatly missed.