GALLOWAY, N.J.—Patricia Otelia Caster of Galloway, N.J., was peacefully called to eternal rest on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Atlantic Care Regional Medical Center in Pomona, N.J. She was lovingly surrounded by family.
The daughter of the late James and Maria S. Caster, she was born on June 7, 1944, in Kilmarnock.
Patricia cherished her role as the youngest sibling in her family. At an early age she displayed her hallmark characteristic of being a leader.
In her home church, Calvary Baptist Church, she was the Sunday school pianist and was active in many other church activities. She continued her Christian experience and commitment to her faith by joining Union Baptist Temple, Atlantic City, N.J. Patricia willingly shared her talents in many activities including the Host/Hostess Ministry and the Academic Excellence Committee. She was very generous and caring to her church family.
Patricia attended Northumberland Public Schools, graduating from Central High School as valedictorian in 1962. She continued her love for education by enrolling in Hampton Institute (University) and graduating in 1966 with a bachelor’s in business education; master’s in business education from Rider University; administration certification from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) and other state teacher certification requirements.
Patricia embarked on her dedicated quest of educating generations of families in Pleasantville public schools in 1966. During her 39 years of dedicated education service, she held positions at Pleasantville High School, teacher of business education and assistant principal. She retired from public service in 2005.
Her love of community resulted in her avid participation in the following sororities and community civic organizations: Atlantic City Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (charter member), National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. Iota Chapter, Villagers Civic Club, Golden Circle of South Jersey Inc., Atlantic City Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Inc., New Jersey Education Association, National Education Association and the 6:30 Express Bowling Committee.
Patricia’s zest for life and new experiences led her to travel to many countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. She enjoyed family activities and had a love for giving to all; especially her siblings and her nieces and nephews. Children were a joy to her. Everyone awaited her arrival during the holidays and her special gift and cooking coordination of family dinners and picnics.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert J. Caster Sr. and Herman P. Caster; and sister, Lois C. Winstead.
Patricia leaves to lovingly cherish her memories, sisters, Ruth Ball, Marian Joan C. Geason and Dorothy M. Caster; brothers, Willis H. Caster Sr. (Rosetta), Edmund B. Caster, John Henry O. Caster and Benjamin R. Caster (Otelia); many nieces; nephews; cousins; and special friends, Vernon Littlejohn and Norman and Valgene King.
Viewing and services were held Friday, June 15, at Union Baptist Temple, Atlantic City. Interment followed in Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery, White Stone.