Esther Gatica
Dazrene Argree North Patterson passed away on August 8th, 2025.
Dazrene was born on February 23, 1941, to Benjamin and Lucille Franklin North. One of twenty-two children, previous to her transition, she was one of only two surviving siblings alongside her brother, John Carter Gardley.
From the very start, Dazrene’s life was marked by her radiant intelligence and unshakable spirit. At just fifteen years old, Dazrene graduated at the top of her high school class. A year later, she embraced motherhood with the birth of her first child, Charles Ray Steward. At seventeen, she married Norman Ray Patterson, who lovingly adopted Charles as his own. Two years after Charles’s arrival, she welcomed her daughter, Madilyn, and five years later, her son, Gregory.
An ardent lifelong learner, Dazrene went on to earn a degree from San Bernardino Valley College and continued her studies at Cal State San Bernardino. Her passion for supporting youth led her to San Bernardino Juvenile Hall, where she rose from counselor to supervisor. She later served the County of San Bernardino as a probation officer while supervising at Verdemont Boys Ranch, always championing second chances and brighter futures.
Together with her husband, Patterson, Dazrene broke barriers as the first African American entrepreneurs in Fontana, California. Over a decade, they ran a video store, hair salon, fitness center, and even provided space for a local church. Her creative energy then guided her into the world of theatre, after being cast in Delilah Williams’s “God’s Trying to Tell You Something.” That role ignited her gift for writing children’s plays and songs.
Drawing on her love for gospel music, Dazrene founded “Daz Patterson and The West Coast Singers.” Their album, “Shout for Jesus,” showcased her stirring lyrics and melodies—many co-written with her son Charles—and carried their message of hope across stages near and far.
Their shared vision grew into Candy Cane Productions and (PNP) Productions, a nonprofit endeavor. After three years leading in Delilah Williams’s play, Dazrene penned and produced her own gospel musical comedies and films, debuting with “Talk Is Cheap.” She crafted every script and lyric while Patterson designed sets and managed each stage detail.
Faith was at the heart of Dazrene’s life. A devoted member of Loveland Church in Fontana, she answered the call to ministry as an ordained minister, supporting her husband in his service as a deacon. She also cherished her fellowship with The Daughters of Dorcus, where her warmth, leadership, and unwavering faith touched countless hearts.
Left to mourn her memories are her brother, John Gardley; her children, Madilyn, Gregory, and his wife, Tasha. Godchildren: Sherri (Jones) Thomas, Greg & Sharon Youngblood, Dwayne, Dee, Roy. Grandchildren: Davion and Dazer’e, Davion David III, and wife Monica. Kimita, Michele, Candis, Mykayle, Sean, Thellas (Pooh). Great-grandchildren: Donivin, Dazere, Gynessa, Brionie, and Jaiden, Mayin, Kylar, Khloe, Aubrey, Amari, Adrian, the Dog Mr.Ben, and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, cast and crew members, the Berry Family, and friends.
Her life was a testament to the power of faith, the beauty of music, and the strength of community. In every role she played—counselor, artist, mother—Dazrene poured love into the lives around her. Her legacy lives on in the voices she lifted, the hearts she healed, and the family she so deeply cherished.
Her Celebration of Life details:
First Viewing – Thursday, September 4, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Community Memorial Chapel of San Bernardino
738 E. Highland Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92404
Service Viewing, Friday, September 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Celebration of Life 10:00 a.m.
Loveland Church
17977 Merrill Ave.
Fontana, CA 92335
Repast following the service at Loveland Church