Beverly J. Patterson Scholarship Fund

In 1955, Beverly J. Patterson embarked on what would become an extraordinary nursing career, graduating from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Indiana and earning her RN, specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Beverly began her journey at Methodist Hospital in the labor and delivery department, devoting the first twenty years of her career to working various shifts and seeking out every opportunity to advance. Her relentless work ethic and determination saw her rise to the position of head night nurse, and later, she became a highly respected private scrub nurse for three OB/GYN physicians. In 1975, Beverly’s reputation for excellence led to a pivotal moment: a newly minted OB/GYN physician, impressed by her character, professionalism, and exemplary nursing skills, invited her to join his new practice, Carmel OB/GYN. By 1985, as the practice flourished and expanded to four doctors, Beverly’s role grew as well—she began accompanying the physicians on weekend hospital rounds, providing vital support and care. Though she eventually returned to Methodist Hospital to pursue her passion for Obstetrics and Gynecology, her impact on Carmel OB/GYN endured. Beverly’s love of nursing was matched by her passion for travel, music, and lifelong learning. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, her medical expertise opened doors to new experiences, allowing her to travel and tour Europe with the Butler University Chorale and East 91st Christian Church Choir, both based in Indianapolis, Indiana. When her youngest child joined the Carmel High School Marching Band, Beverly eagerly served as a chaperone and band nurse—once again, seamlessly blending her love for nursing, travel, and music. Beverly first retired in 1996, only to return to the hospital shortly after, finally retiring again in 2000. Yet her dedication was unwavering; a few years later, she was called back to the private practice she had served over three decades earlier, stepping in when needed. Even after a knee replacement forced a third retirement, Beverly’s commitment never waned. In 2005, she was invited once more to manage surgery scheduling for the now six-doctor OB/GYN practice—a challenging role she embraced with enthusiasm. After more than fifty years devoted to a profession she loved, Beverly J. Patterson officially hung up her nurse’s cap, closing a remarkable chapter of service, care, and leadership at the age of 76. In early 2023, Beverly faced a new challenge—diagnosed with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). Even during chemotherapy and hospital stays, her passion for nursing endured. She seized every opportunity to connect with caregivers, discuss advancements in medicine, and offer her wisdom—always seeking ways to improve patient care. To Beverly, being an RN was not just a profession, but an essential part of her identity—one that opened doors, fostered growth, and allowed her to touch countless lives with compassion and expertise. To honor her legacy, her family has established a scholarship in her name—for those who share her passion for nursing and aspire to follow in her footsteps. May Beverly J. Patterson’s story inspire future generations of nurses to embrace this noble calling with the same dedication, kindness, and heart that she brought to every patient and every moment of her extraordinary life.