Visitation

N/A

Service

Oct. 28, 2023
11 a.m.

Committal

N/A

Patricia Hartsell Clark, 82, of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2023.

Born in Cabarrus County, NC on May 8, 1941, she is the daughter of the late Hal Craig Hartsell and Dora Marie Faggart Hartsell.

Patricia lived a life of Giving, Sharing, and Love as friend, wife, mother, Nana, educator / teacher, and emulator of the Biblical Golden Rule. On many levels Patricia gave her heart-felt attention to whatever task lay ahead — encouraging serious thought to consequences — be it as simple as Meals On Wheels. At other times, if needed, she applied her skilled hands as an award-winning master seamstress to speak during events as a Lakota Indian or the “Numeracy Woman.” In other words, Patricia gave her all, her Person, to those opportunities before her.

Now, for those of you unfamiliar with Burke County 4-H, Patricia gave her Head to clear thinking; her Heart to greater loyalty; her Hands to service; and her Health / Person to better the world we live in — along with newly gathered WPCC ladies in 1970 to announce the first Earth Day events for Burke County. These chosen paths help to explain how Patricia became Burke County’s 4-H Volunteer of the Year in 1989 and a few years later was inducted into North Carolina’s 4-H Achievement Hall of Fame.

In following decades, she joined local teachers in Alpha Nu to eventually become an officer of Eta State, a branch of Delta Kappa Gamma International. For many years she supported Black Mt. Home for Children & Families to eventually join its Board of Directors. While always an active member with our First Presbyterian Women, Patricia eventually became moderator for the Presbytery of Western N.C. Presbyterian Women, and later, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Presbyterian Women. It is at this juncture Patricia’s life follows a new path as health issues began to drain her Person, her hands, her heart — but not her Love — which her family felt as she slipped into a blissful, peaceful sleep.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Larry Richard Clark; children, Steven Clark (Terrie), Alan Clark, and Susan Clark Smith;; grandchildren, Samuel Clark (Kate), Houston Clark (Talara), Ava Clark, Emme Clark, Alexander Smith, Caldwell Smith, Elaine Smith, and Charlotte Smith; great-grandchildren, Lakelyn Clark, Lacy Clark, and Claire Clark; brother, Craig Hartsell (June); daughter-in-law, Cathy Clark; other family, David Smith, and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by a brother, David Hartsell.

A celebration of Patricia’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 28, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. John Hagmann officiating. The family will greet friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Day Foundation, shop.arborday.org/commemorative; Black Mt. Home for Children, www.blackmountainhome.org/donate/memorials/; The Patricia Elaine Clark Endowment at North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation, Foundation Treasurer, 1112 Anchor Court, Raleigh, NC 27615; or First Presbyterian Women, www.fpcmorganton.org/give.html

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Tribute Wall

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Patricia and I were both in the graduating class of 1959 at Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, NC. Patricia was a wonderful classmate. Some years ago she helped me chase down the grave site of one of my ancestors who is buried in Morganton. May she rest in peace.

—Jim Hudspeth

What a wonderful person . She was such a worker in all of her endeavors. I'm sure God is enjoying her company in heaven . Iam a former member of First Presbyterian Church . Michelle Harris

—Michelle K Harris

Patricia was my first cousin but she was more like my older sister; I always looked up to her. We shared so many fun childhood experiences together. Patricia was a very special niece to my mother. We had so much fun when Patricia would drive my mom to my house to come see me, near or far away. I will miss her but I know she is loving her spiritual home and family. I love you, Patricia. Janice

—janice good
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🌹 Patricia was a beautiful soul, and oh, so talented!!! I was always in awe of her “master”sewing skills! She will be missed by all her DKG sisters. May God grant you peace and comfort in knowing all the love she shared with you and so many others. Sweetest lady ever! 🌹Norma Rains

—Norma Rains

Thinking of you today, dear Larry and family. Patricia was God's gift to all of us as she graced life's journey with us here on Earth. Though we miss her sweet smile and gracious presence, there is comfort in knowing that she is today very much alive and completely well in God's presence, surely welcomed there by those words all of us hope to hear: "Well done, my good and faithful servant . . . ." Patricia was an amazing woman, loved by all who knew her through her talented leadership in Delta Kappa Gamma International, both in the local chapter (Alpha Nu) and in the state organization. What JOY it will be to be reunited with her one day. In the meantime, Patricia, in her characteristic spirit of encouragement, will be cheering each one of us on in our respective journeys . . . and loving us still . . . from afar. With Love and Prayers, Maxine McCall

—Maxine Cooper McCall
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Sending love and prayers and blessings to all her loves. You have my deepest sympathy. Patricia was a dear friend and a wonderful neighbor. I am so blessed to have known her and shared adventures with her. She loved her family so very much and was so proud of all of them. She loved telling me all the wonderful things that they were up to. She really was just the best.

—Debbie Mitchell
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—Kelly Furr Cohen

What a talented and remarkable lady she was! Her volunteer time and 4-H leadership helped develop so many 4-Hers. Sending sympathy to the family. Pam Outen , Former Cabarrus 4-H Agent and current FCS Extension Agent.

—Pamela C. Outen

Sending the entire family my deepest sympathy at the loss of your wife, mom, and grandmother. I know that she was a lovely lady and that she spent her career doing one of the things I admire the most….teaching. Prayers and love being sent to all of you moving forward….and may the memories you have of her bring you future smiles. 🙏❤️ Robbie Sockwell

—Robbie Sockwell
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I certainly remember her passion for 4-H and the fantastic impact she had on us all. She was indeed one of the best among us and I am a better Person for having known her.

—Wayne Pitts