Funeral services were held Dec. 10 at United Presbyterian Church, West Orange, for Patricia Juanita Vanterpool. She was born May 31, 1956, in Jersey City to the late Maxine and Lonnie Reynolds, Jr. She was the youngest of four children. Patricia was educated in the Jersey City Public School system. She attended P.S. #35, P.S. #23, Abraham Lincoln and Henry Snyder High School. She received an Associate’s Degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Montclair State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Patricia “Patty” met and married the love of her life, Mr. William “Bill” Vanterpool and from this union four children were born, Tiara, Allan, Chad and Aliyah. Patricia and Bill resided and raised their family in Jersey City and West Orange. Patricia was a Family and Consumer Science Teacher for the Board of Education in Jersey City from September 1984 – June 1985. She taught at the Dr. Charles P. Defuccio School, P.S. #39 and Abraham Lincoln High School. Patricia continued to pursue her dream of becoming a nutritionist by transitioning her career path to work for the Department of Human Resources WIC Program in Jersey City from October 1985 – June 1987 followed by NJMS-Rutgers WIC Program in Newark from September 1989 until she recently retired. Patricia was well known for her passion for volunteering within various organizations in the community and her love for music and performing arts. She was a parent organizer for the Kappa League during her sons’ participation in the mentorship program. Patricia adored animals, especially her cat Luna. She also enjoyed sewing, exercising, listening to Rhythm and Blues music and dancing. Patricia loved her church family formerly known as Elmwood West Presbyterian Church in West Orange. She took great pleasure in coordinating the Breakfast Ministry, volunteering for the soup kitchen and praise dancing. She also enjoyed attending services at Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in East Orange and United Presbyterian Church of West Orange in West Orange. Patricia cherished every moment that she spent with the entire congregation. Patricia leaves to cherish a lifetime of fond memories that she and her husband William of 32 wonderful years built together with their children: Tiara Vanterpool, Allan Vanterpool, Chad Vanterpool and Aliyah Vanterpool. She is also survived by her three sisters; Debra Reynolds, Dawn Reynolds and Pamela Reynolds, nephew Corey Reynolds (wife- Carol Reynolds), grandnephew Blake Reynolds, mother-in-law Rosa Vanterpool, sister-in-law Lena Vanterpool and a host of relatives and friends. Services arranged by the Greenville Memorial Home, Jersey City.
