Patsy Mae Williams

Born in Wilmington, NC on July 28, 1945 to Raymond Theodore Williams and Lillian Denton Williams, it’s no surprise that she had a life-long affinity for the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful beaches of the Carolinas. Pat died peacefully on Thursday afternoon, August 17, 2023 at home in her bed surrounded by her loving family after years of declining health due to pulmonary fibrosis.

She was raised and baptized at Hopewell Baptist Church in her youth and was sustained by her faith in Christ; particularly during the last few years of poor health and most recently,

confinement at home.

A graduate of Salem High School, she also attended Western Piedmont Community College. Pat spent the majority of her career working “hands on” with both mentally and physically disadvantaged children at the Riddle Center and then a group home affiliated with Broughton Hospital in Morganton called “Kids Can Make It”. She also worked for two years at the O’Berry Center in Goldsboro, NC in the same capacity. In her later working years, Pat shifted from direct care to clerical office support work at Lifegains, Inc. and lastly, Broughton Hospital school until she retired.

Upon retirement, she became the consummate “Nannie” to her grandchildren and great- grandchildren, whom she adored with all her heart and soul, spending most of her days and many nights frolicking, reading and watching movies with them.

Along with her parents, Pat was predeceased by her brother Raymond Landres Williams, father of her children, Bennie Archie Buff, and a cherished grandson, Benjamin Mark Buff.

Both of her children, son Mark Buff (Katherina Johnson) and daughter, Sharlene Hipple (John), of Morganton, are left to cherish her memory along with sisters Inez Williams and Judy Hager, of Morganton and Harrisburg, respectively; and sister-in-law, Beverly Garrison Williams of Morganton. Her best friend and companion for over 30 years, Judy Jackson Hensley (JuJu), was also her primary caregiver in her time of need.

Her grandchildren include Will and Sam Buff; Makenna Clark; Ryan Cook (Brooke Hodges); Tiffany Hipple (Kristie); Hunter, Kevin (Elizabeth) and Thomas McCombs.

Great-grandchildren include Tyler Hodges (Brittany), Allie Speas, Jaden Mullins, Greyson Bonfield, Ava Mullins, Harper Cook, Abbi McCombs, twins Kayden and Kolten Hipple, James Cook, Cora McCombs and twins River and Ridge Cook. The newest addition to the family and sole great-great grandchild to Pat is Hadley Grace Hodges. Pat also cherished her many nieces and nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m., Friday, September 8, 2023 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The celebration of Patsy’s life will follow at 6 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Revs. Allison Benfield and Dana McKim officiating.

The family would also like to thank the VIA Health Partners Hospice team for their care and support of Pat during the past few weeks. Any contributions to Hospice, Options, Inc. or any non-profit of your choice in memory of Pat would be pleasing to her and the family.

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