Emily Patterson

I had the privilege of sitting next to Emily when we worked together. She was an extremely passionate and diligent worker. I often struggled to bring her attention away from her computer because she was so focused on her work. I will always cherish our jokes and times together. She will be greatly missed.

My favorite case worker!!! she was more then just a case worker she was more like a friend and always here for me , every time she walked in with a smile to lighten up the whole room, she had such a sweet soul and positive attitude, forever loved and missed ~Betty & Doris

I remember your passion and dedication to the youth that we support. I remember you for your work ethic. I remember your energy you brought to the office. Although we were not particularly close, you were always pleasant to work with. Rest well, you are missed, and you are loved by many.

I have been trying to find the right words for this ... since reading the email that told us of your tragic news Em (that's what I always called you). My heart is broken learning this news and I can only imagine the pain and loss your family and friends are feeling! I worked collaboratively with Emily on a case and I loved how strong, independent, confident, and always smiling!!!! Emily you will be missed but we will definitely finish your unfinished work and continue advocating for the kiddos we shared. I will forever miss you and I was a mess in the first court hearing without you and trying to get through without tears. I will always look for that call on my cell for you to be calling to vent or to update me. If I could have replicated your strengths to other case managers our collaborative community would be so much better. Keep smiling and shining my friend!!! Emily made such a huge impact with anyone you made contact with and it shows. Fly high sweet lady and jam out to your music!!! Look over us all and guide us with your strength and wit that we will all miss terribly!!! You are a RockStar Em and always will be!!! I send my deepest condolences and love to the family!!!

emily was my case manger she was a sweet lady she always was nice to me and she was caring and a memory i had with her was when she took me and brother and sister to this park beach thing she use to go to do her work and stuff like that she was so caring to all her kids and she did more than she was supposed to, i liked emily it hurted me when she left a lil but thats cause we was reallly that close

Emily was amazing. She absolutely vibrated with energy. She got so much accomplished for the teen in our care, going above and beyond to prepare him for his upcoming 18th birthday. She didn't rush visits. She showed interest in his interests. She encouraged him. Behind the scenes, she never (!) missed a deadline. She was prepared in court. She was an excellent communicator - texts, emails, calls. Her work which on behalf of her kids was inspi to witness. This is a loss to our entire Care community and in particular the kids she served. My sincere condolences to her loved ones. She was a truly lovely human.

I am a Foster Mom. From the moment Emily came to my home for her first home visit, we connected. We had so much in common. We were both born and raised in Michigan and went to the cider mill in St. Johns, Michigan to celebrate the beginning of fall by getting a hot apple cider and a cinnamon donut (ok, the truth is we both admitted to eating more than one). We talked about how we would go out sledding on cold winter days and then coming home to hot chocolate that our moms had made for us. She truly cared for the foster girl who was in my home at the time, along with the girl's brother and sister. When the three of them had sibling visits together, Emily and I would supervise them and also enjoy each other's company. We would work together to put a plan in place that we felt would be beneficial for my precious girl, along with her precious siblings. She truly cared about them and had their best interest in mind. I pray that her family will find peace in their loss of this beautiful soul. If I can help the family in any way, please reach out to me. I also know what it's like to lose loved ones way too soon. May God be with you.

Kudos Emily received from a Foster Parent: Children’s Network sends out surveys to all our Foster Parents asking them to respond to a series of questions. When we asked a Foster Parent if her caseworker was responsive to any concerns or issues that were raised at the visit, she replied, “Emily is wonderful, caring case manager who is diligent and thorough in her duties. She is knowledgeable about the case and all the players involved. She works very hard to address the needs of the children and provide the support for us.” Thank you for going above and beyond, we appreciate you!

Kudos received for Emily from Foster Parent Liaison: Good Morning Emily, You are on a roll! After your visit the Foster parent reported: "Emily Patterson is the most thorough, communicative, available/responsive and organized caseworker we've worked with in our multiple years as foster parents." Emily, you and your work ethic are shining examples of how foster parents want to be treated. Thank you for being an excellent representative of Children's Network and Thompson CFF. Keep doing what you are doing - you are appreciated and valued!

When I spoke with Emily a few months ago, her passion, dedication, and commitment were evident, even in our brief phone call. I have no doubt that she will be deeply missed. My heart and prayers go out to Emily's family. I hope that in this difficult time, they will find peace in the knowledge that Emily was respected and admired by many.

My heart aches for all of her family, co-workers, kids and community partners (like myself). I spoke with Emily often, as the case manager for one of the youth in my group home. She was by far, one of the most efficient change agents that I'd ever encountered in this field. I've worked in social services for 24 years, and she reminded me of the fire that burns within, as we help to support and empower our youth and young adults, in spite of the grave injustices and at time, their poor decisions. She is greatly missed by our Carlton Manor team! Though she's gone too soon, our hope is that the seeds that she planted may be watered by those to come!

Emily was my case manager for my soon to be kiddos(niece and nephew). She was a go getter and went above and beyond her roles and responsibilities in almost every situation we have been presented with. Emily was caring, compassionate, and showed empathy. These characteristics helped her with her job and her career. She wanted to change the system and help her kids and parents every step of the way. She would think “out of the box” for situations and always come up with a solution. If the answer to that solution wasn’t right she would work diligently for another solution. She always had an ear to listen and often I would be an ear to listen and for her to vent. I’ve been communicating with Emily non stop since Feb and i didn’t realize the impact of her passing had on me . Her bright smile and voice will be surely missed! She promised she would see me to the end of our case and we are getting there. I’m praying for all the Thompson staff and coworkers of Emily and family. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Emily Patterson-or as I addressed her each morning- "Hey EM " Emily and I worked together in Child Welfare in Pinellas, and I hired her to join the Thompson team in October of 2023. Emily was the most passionate case manager, and that same passion led her to frustration of the system and her wanting to do everything for her kiddos. Emily would come to my office to vent which often led her tears. Emily was gifted in her legal documentation, powerful yet poised in the courtroom and extremely animated with the story she was trying to convey. Emily loved to talk about her music festivals, her cat and that one day she is going to implement policies for kids in care. Not only was Emily my employee but often times I had to be her Life Coach and have hard life conversations with her. She always thanked me after and said " Momma T, I guess I needed to hear that" I will miss her so very much, I will miss her smile, her ups and downs and her dramatics that made her Emily. God Speed Girl. I will never forget you..................Tina Horn TCFCC

emily was case manager she has done so much for me and made me feel seen and heard when i felt like i was all alone you will be deeply missed

I did not have an opportunity to get to know Emily as well as others however, knowing her the short time that I did, it was clear what a kind, compassionate, brilliant person she was. She was a great advocate for her families and built very special relationships with the youth she worked with. Emily was well respected despite having only just beginning her professional career. I hear so many amazing stories about her from others who knew her well and I know she will be missed.

As I process this unexpected, saddened time I am reminded of the light Emily shined. A light full of love, kindness, and hope to make a difference in the lives of our youth and their future. Emily and I shared many heartfelt conversations. She left a special imprint on my heart, one I will always treasure. My prayers to family, friends, and all those lives Emily touched for continued peace, and comfort during this time. 🙏🏻💜🕊️ Josephine

Words cannot begin to express how we are feeling. Emily's positive spirit, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her work will always be remembered. She had a unique ability to bring joy and positivity to the workplace, and her presence will be profoundly missed by all of us. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her life and the many wonderful memories we have shared with her. Emily's legacy will live on in the hearts of her colleagues, friends, and family. We invite you to use this page to leave messages and stories. We extend our deepest condolences to Emily's family during this difficult time. May you find comfort and strength in the cherished memories you have of her.

Emily was such a beautiful young lady and had a heart of gold My heart broke when I heard the news and I pray for justice for your family God gained his angel and we lost you .praying for peace and comfort for your family 🙏🙏💔

I really appreciated when you bought me and my siblings a cake for our birthday and let us have a visist and you always did more then what you had to you care about these kids when they were mean to you you still had love for them and you were so sweet and i really liked you sumtimes i didnt show it but ur were nice

My heart goes out to you all. Emily and I never met in person but worked together on so many cases that it was almost like we were in the same office. She was very efficient, compassionate and her work ethic was above and beyond. She will definitely be missed. I pray God gives you the peace that will soothe your hearts.

My heart is very sad at the passing of this beautiful dedicated, loving, kind, generous, persistent, hardworking servant of neglected and abused children. Emily was precious to me for the love she showed and the dedication she had to the child we worked together to help. I will miss her terribly. A bright light has gone out of this world.