Pat Willett Hall, a longtime Raleigh resident, passed away Monday, January 14th at Rex Hospital following a period of declining health. Pat was born in October, 1929 in Rowan County, NC and recently celebrated her 89th birthday. Pat was the youngest and tenth child of Susan and Leck Willett and was preceded in death by her husband James (Jim) Edward Hall, Sr., her parents, and by four sisters (Ruth Dickerson, Mildred Willett, Frances Coogan, Betty Bollinger) and five brothers (Wilbur Willett, Bill Willett, John Willett, Hal Willett, Jim Willett).
She is survived by her sons, James (Edward) Hall, Jr., John (David) Hall and his wife Janet, as well as many beloved relatives and friends.
Pat grew up in Salisbury during the height of the Great Depression, and later during World War II. She was especially proud of her father's service in World War I and three siblings' service overseas in Europe and one's stateside in the Pentagon during World War II. From an early age, Pat played the piano, later the clarinet and enjoyed singing in ensembles and choirs. After graduating from Boyden High School with honors, Pat attended Greensboro College, graduated from Catawba College and did graduate work at UNC-Chapel Hill. Pat taught in the Yadkin and Rowan County school systems, and after her marriage to Jim and relocation to Raleigh, in the Raleigh City School system. Pat and Jim were married on July 14th, 1957 in China Grove, NC and after a honeymoon spent in Banner Elk, NC, enjoyed 42 years of happy marriage, prior to Jim's death in 1999.
Possessing a keen mind, Pat had many interests including politics, sports, music, current events and civic activities. Growing up in Park Avenue Methodist Church in Salisbury, and as a young adult in China Grove Methodist Church, and later as a longtime member of Fairmont United Methodist Church in Raleigh, Pat's faith was strong and led her to serve many positions within the churches. Always interested in being a part of the community, she served as a public school teacher, cub scout den mother, Meals on Wheels volunteer, precinct chairman and a good neighbor on Lochmore Drive in the Anderson Heights community.
Pat was a diehard UNC Tarheel fan, rarely missing televised football and basketball games. Along with Jim, they attended many home basketball games as the guests of season ticket holders and dear friends Annie Belle and Warren Stone. Pat especially enjoyed vacations spent in the NC mountains, Emerald Isle and Kerr Lake. She formed friendships easily and baked a pound cake that became a legend.
Pat will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A private graveside service will be held in Oakwood Cemetery on Friday, January 18th.
A public memorial service will be held Saturday, January 19th at 2:00 PM in the Fairmont United Methodist, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.
Memorials may be made to Fairmont United Methodist Church, 2501 Clark Ave. Raleigh, NC 27607 or the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home , 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.
