Name: Shelia Patterson
Party: Republican
Age: 72
Education: After graduating from high school in 1970, I attended Henderson Community College, where I earned an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1973. I went on to work in nursing for more than fifty-one years. For thirty of those years, I served as the House Supervisor at our local hospital here in Henderson.
Professional Experience: I began working as a Deputy Coroner in January 2007. As of January 2026, I will have nineteen years of dedicated service with the Henderson County Coroner’s Office. I am proud to have been a member of the Kentucky Coroners Association for all nineteen of those years.
Current Occupation: In July 2024, I was promoted to Chief Deputy Coroner, and in January 2025, I was sworn in as the Henderson County Coroner following the retirement of Bruce Farmer. In April 2025, I was honored to receive the Master Coroner designation from the Kentucky Coroners Association—an advanced certification awarded to experienced coroners who meet specific requirements within the state of Kentucky.
Family: For twenty-four years, I was blessed to be married to an amazing husband, Nathan Allen Patterson. Together we have two children—our son, Chad Patterson, and our daughter, Alicia Nelson—and we are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Both of our children and their families live here in Henderson. To me, family is everything. My children and grandchildren are the most precious gifts of my life.
Why did you decide to run for re-election?
As I’ve already shared, my family is my greatest blessing. My decades of service as both a nurse and a coroner have given me a deep heart for our community and the families who call Henderson home. I feel a strong calling to continue serving our hometown with compassion and dedication. The coroner’s office plays a vital role in protecting and supporting families during some of their most difficult moments. With the experience I have gained, I believe I can truly make a difference when people need it most.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for this seat?
Our community deserves confidence that every investigation is conducted thoroughly, impartially, and with a balance of scientific accuracy and genuine compassion. I believe I am the best choice for this office because I bring decades of experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to strengthening public trust. I will continue to modernize processes where needed and serve the people of Henderson with honesty, professionalism, and humility.
What are your top priorities for the next term, if elected?
Henderson families deserve professionalism and compassion in life’s most difficult moments. My priorities are to bring integrity, transparency, and genuine care to this position so every case is handled with accuracy, dignity, and respect. I am committed to ensuring the coroner’s office operates at the highest standards—using sound investigative practices and maintaining clear communication with families, law enforcement, and the community.
A final brief statement to support your candidacy.
My commitment to the people of Henderson County, Kentucky, is to ensure that every case is treated with dignity, every family receives answers, and our community has a coroner who is accountable, fair, and grounded in integrity.
