We celebrate the life of Pastor Patricia M. Sullivan, born March 9, 1951, in Alamo, Tennessee, to the union of George and Dorothy Talley. Surrounded by her family, she joined the eternal witnesses of heaven on June 9, 2023.
Pastor Sullivan was a graduate of Jesup W. Scott High School in 1969. Her secondary educational achievements included a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and a Master of Education in Learning Disabilities, both from the University of Toledo. She also attended Winebrenner Theological Seminary.
Pastor Sullivan’s vocational career spanned over thirty-five years in education. She retired in June 2009 as Teacher Consultant for the Whiteford School District in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. With her desire and commitment to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, she volunteered as an advisor to a student prayer group at Whiteford High School. She was also a volunteer tutor at the Wildwood Environmental Academy.
Pastor Sullivan married her husband of forty-eight years, Roy C. Sullivan. To this union, God blessed them with three sons. Patricia was a true example of a virtuous woman. She loved and cherished her family to the very end.
At the age of 13, Patricia confessed Christ as her Savior at the St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church under the pastorate of the late Dr. Byrl F. Wright. She and her family later united with the Friendship Baptist Church in January 1986 under the leadership of Pastor Duane C. Tisdale.
In 1996 Pastor Sullivan confessed her call to ministry and was formally ordained in June 1998. As an Elder, Patricia served faithfully at Friendship Baptist Church as the General Overseer and assistant to Pastor Tisdale. As a member of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, she served as the Regional Overseer for Emerging Churches and Director of Protocol for the State of Ohio. Her ministry experience included Ministry Leader of the ministerial staff and church ministries, Overseer of Christian Education, Junior Church Director, Sunday School teacher, Couples Fellowship Coordinator, a teacher in the youth ministries, and spiritual advisor to the outreach ministries at Friendship Baptist.
At the recommendation of Bishop Tisdale and on August 22, 2010, Elder Patricia Sullivan was welcomed to New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church as Interim Pastor. On March 20, 2011, Pastor Sullivan was installed as the third pastor of New Beginning. Through her leadership, the mission and vision of the church was solidified, major projects were completed such as remodeling the kitchen and rearranging the sanctuary to include a center aisle and the planting of an award winning community garden. In keeping with her passion for outreach, Pastor Sullivan birthed and became CEO of Beginning Again, Inc. the 501(c)(3) outreach ministry of New Beginning. She initiated a Meal in a Bag program where a full meal was bagged and given away free. New Beginning will always be grateful for how she had a very unique ability to include the youth of the church in all facets of the ministry. Pastor Sullivan will be forever remembered for how she taught and demonstrated her strong commitment to true worship and the importance of understanding God’s divine order.
Pastor Patricia Sullivan leaves a legacy as a true worshipper, a profound preacher and teacher of God’s Word, and a woman who loved God and His people. Her example of godliness and righteous living will be remembered in every life she touched.
In addition to her exuberant life as a humble servant, she loved cooking, gardening, and spending time with her children. Her all-time favorite saying was, “Hear me, and hear me well.”
Pastor Sullivan was preceded in death by her parents, George Talley and Dorothy (Talley) Dixon; brothers Patrick and George Talley; and her husband of forty-eight years, Roy C. Sullivan.
Her memory will be cherished by her children, Tarik, Jarret, and Jeremy; Her grandchildren, Chailyn, Jayla, Anaya, Zykerreah, Zanyeah, Zariya, Ava, Jayceon, and Skye; siblings, Calvin Talley (Michigan), Frederick (Michelle) Talley (Indiana), Elizabeth (Marvin) Stafford (Toledo), Glynis (Michael) Talley-Roche (Michigan), Michelle Dixon. Goddaughter Paula Sims and Godson Samuel Tisdale; Special friends Thelma Tisdale and Teresa McBee; spiritual daughters Bianna Russell and Robin Gaines. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. Service Information is as follows:
Friday, June 16, 2023
Visitation: 5pm to 8pm
Friendship Baptist Church
5301 Nebraska Avenue
Toledo OH 43615
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Wake/Family Hour: 10am
Funeral Service: 11am
Friendship Baptist Church
5301 Nebraska Avenue
Toledo OH 43615
Arrangements entrusted to HOUSE OF DAY FUNERAL HOME, TOLEDO, OHIO
Condolences/Resolutions may be emailed to: mainofficefbc@gmail.com
(Please email no later than Friday (6/16) at 5pm…thank you.)
Praying for the Family and Church Family.
Sending our Heartfelt Condolences to Pastor Patricia Sullivan Family and Friends. R. I.P. ❤️
May God comfort you during this time of transition. She taught me the material to become ordained. I never failed to tell her how I appreciated her and what a blessing she was. She will truly be missed.
Elder Gwen McLaurine – FBC.