Patricia Ann Colby “Pat” Johnson, 77, died peacefully on June 20, 2018 in Raleigh, NC. Born February 22, 1941 in Jefferson, IA to Arthur and Violet Colby, she is survived by her daughter, Rosemary Grey of Raleigh; son, David Johnson and wife, Amy; grandchildren, Makayla and Maleia of Cary, NC; and sister, Janet Nolting and husband, Ronald of Fairfax, IA. She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Larry Duane Johnson.
Pat graduated from Grand Junction Consolidated High School in Grand Junction, IA (class of 1959) where she was active in chorus, and was a French horn player in the band. Pat also played the piano. Upon graduation, Pat entered the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in Des Moines, IA and obtained her degree in 1962 after which she moved to Corpus Christi, TX and worked as a nurse at the University of Texas student health center. She and her husband eventually moved to Durham and then Cary, NC where they started a family, and Pat worked at the Brian Center Nursing Home in Durham. She also worked in home health care for many years.
Pat was a devoted mother who served as a leader for Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She was an active member of the PTA and volunteered regularly at school. She gave generously of her time and energy, serving members of her community through various roles with White Plains United Methodist Church and as a long-time member of the White Plains Pathfinders class. She helped run the church bookstore, and used her sewing talents to help create banners that were displayed in the church sanctuary. She watched many children grow up in the church from the time she rocked them in her arms as a nursery volunteer to the time they were in middle school and high school serving as part of the White Plains puppet ministry, which she helped start and which she co-led for decades. Pat also helped to start the church’s handbell ministry, Wesley Chancel Ringers. She was a dedicated ringer and member of the Chancel Choir for more than 25 years.
Most recently, Pat enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, attending nearly every awards ceremony, dance recital, soccer match, school performance and graduation. “Grandma Pat” also volunteered her time at her granddaughters’ school, serving as a Character Education reader, and working one-on-one with children to help them build their reading skills.
A memorial service celebrating Pat’s life will be held July 14 at 3 p.m. at White Plains United Methodist Church located at 313 SE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511 with a reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Music Ministry at White Plains United Methodist Church.
