Patricia Su-Lin Early, 62, returned to her heavenly home on March 9, 2015 after a valiant battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace. Like Job in the Bible, she held her steadfast belief and trust in God.

Patricia O’Keith, affectionately known as “Tricia” was born to Clifford O’Keith and Jewell Blanton, in Berkeley, CA on February 28, 1953. Patricia was raised in Oakland, CA. She was immersed in the Christian community that would be her lifelong support from an early age. At the age of 7, Patricia was baptized at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, CA. When her family moved from West to East Oakland she joined Second Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. As a youth she worked for the lord in any and every capacity. Whatever assistance the church needed, her mother would say, “Tricia can do it!” She graduated from Fremont High School in 1971. While at Fremont, she was highly active in music and performing arts. Singing at several school functions, not only did she hold the lead as Glenda the Good Witch in “The Wizard of Oz,” but with her vibrant personality she also held the position as head Yell Leader, was voted most spirited, and of course participated in several sports. As a young adult, she would go on to join Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Rev Joe L. Smith. She held the office of church secretary for a number of years; she was also a lead soloist in the mass choir. In 1986, she joined Providence Missionary Baptist Church of San Pablo, CA founded by her dear late friend Rev. Dr. Rodney R. Thibodeaux. While at Providence, she used her love of music to head the music department playing the organ, singing, and directing until she was no longer physically able to.

Patricia was blessed with a large and loving family. She married her best friend and first love, Alfred Eugene Early, Sr., on August 29, 1974. Patricia, with the love and full support of her husband raised their seven children with patience, an abundance of love, and discipline, always knowing that family is and will always be everything.

Patricia loved her husband, children, and family. She also had lots of extended family and an abundance of godchildren. She was kind, smart and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was always herself, never changing whether at church, home, or in the community. She always showed the world she was a Christian in her walk, and that you “bet not mess with her” in her talk.

Tricia is survived by her husband, Alfred; her daughters Cheryl, Dana, Jaynae, and Jennifer; her sons Alfred Jr. Dennis, and Daniel; her grandchildren Aja, Diego, Kylee, Devaki, Lucky, Gavin, Dejuan, Jordin, and Janea; her siblings K.C., Melvin, Reginald, Regina, Toni, Pam, Marcus, and Kevin; and her spiritual sisters in Christ, Connie, Lola, Diane, and Della. She is preceded in death by her mother Jewel B. Taylor; fathers, Clifford O’Keith and Marcus Taylor; and her brother, Charles O’Keith. She is also survived by a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.