Born and raised in Dallas, Texas Dorothy spent her early childhood in Balch Springs and later moved to Marble Falls. Dorothy learned early how to mediate disagreement between her friends and siblings through her gift of listening, and her hearts desire to help others find a ‘happy place’ with each other. She is a graduate of Travis High School in Austin, Texas and attended Lincoln Land University in Illinois.
In the late 1980’s Dorothy worked as a consultant for Horace Mann until she decided to attend Cosmetology school. Her professional career as a Cosmetologist started her on a journey where she had a front row seat and an ear for the problem of others, while dealing with her own personal struggles. It was during this time that Patterson realized that God had purposed her hairstylist career for an assignment way larger than strictly haircare. Although highly successful, she didn’t stop there. Patterson began writing op-ed articles for Garland Journal News and founded Embracing Arms Women’s Support Group and became very active in Restorative Victim Based services for women.
Patterson found her voice in advocacy and activism for politics, social justice, prison justice, and other systems of oppression. Patterson has performed a lifetime of service for Dallas communities and families. However, her biggest impact in having a voice at the table is now in her personal life as she fights for justice for her two sons Draylon (wrongfully convicted) and DeMarcus (murdered in 2017-Dallas, Texas). Patterson has also worked in the Healthcare Industry and now lives in Mesquite, Texas. Patterson also currently holds a Texas Insurance License and is a certified Community Health Worker.
