Peggy Pate Austin

Margaret “Peggy” Pate Austin, a New Bern native, was born on November 6, 1944. She had many stories of growing up in New Bern, tales of walking around town and attending bible schools at every local church in the summer. She remembered her teachers fondly, memories of the school choir and different shows she was involved in at New Bern High School. She often told stories of her times as a tour guide at the Tryon Palace.

After time at Averett College in Danville, Virginia, she attended and graduated from Richmond Professional Institute.Then, she went to work with Miller & Rhodes Department Store as a Bridal buyer. This is where she met her husband, E.B. They returned to New Bern to work with her dad, Robert Pate, who owned Hill’s Clothing Store. They eventually became the owners and continued to operate the store until its closing in 2000. EB ran the men’s side of Hill’s and Peggy ran the ladies side. After the store closed, she continued her retail career at a local children’s store and later Ann Lynn’s. She retired from the retail business in 2013.

Peggy was a character! She always had a story to tell and a song on her mind. She always looked dressed up, even if she was just doing yard work or sitting on her porch. Music and decorating were her passions; she never met a stranger. Her mornings would start off with a trip to her local grocery store where inevitably adventures would ensue!

Peggy is survived by her sister, Deborah Edwards of New Bern, son Taylor Austin of Holly Springs; two grandchildren, Emerson and Bennett Reese Austin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Corrinne Taylor Pate and Robert Lee Pate, both of New Bern, as well as her brother Robert “Bobby” Pate of Morehead City. Her husband, E.B. Austin, passed away earlier this year.

A celebration of life will be held in her honor at New Bern Country Club at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Bank of New Bern at secure.foodbankcenc.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.