Liz Johnston Patterson

(1939-2018)

Liz Johnston Patterson, daughter of the late Olin D. Johnston, served South Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District from 1987-93 as the second female ever elected to federal office from the State. Prior to her terms in Congress, Liz was a member of Spartanburg County Council (1974-76) and the South Carolina State Senate representing Spartanburg County (1979-86). Her service career is long and diverse, beginning with the Peace Corps and moving to VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), the South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity with Head Start and later in multiple roles with Converse College, including Director of Continuing Education.

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