Patty Pickrel

Maggie Valley, Patty Gravett Pickrel, 96, went to be with the Lord she loved and served, Friday, December 16, 2011, at home in Maggie Valley. Patty was born on July 1, 1915 in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Dr. William and Maud Gravett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, Charles, Edmund, and Robert Gravett. Patty attended Dennison University, worked at National Cash Register in Dayton, and married James W. Pickrel. In 1947, after her divorce, she and her two young children moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Patty was the backbone of the office at East Side School for more than 25 years before "retiring" to care for many children who dearly loved their time with her as much as she loved being with them. A faithful servant in all the churches she attended, Patty taught Sunday School, served as Deacon and prayer warrior (praying into the wee hours of the morning), and worked on all church projects—with a special passion for the food pantry. She had memorized much of the Bible and enjoyed trips to Israel with fellow church members. She attended First Presbyterian Church and Good News Fellowship in Ft. Lauderdale. After moving to Maggie Valley, she enjoyed worshipping at Long's Chapel United Methodist Church and was even able to volunteer a bit as she was able. Patty was a living example of her faith, consistently putting the needs of others before her own, always encouraging, loving, uplifting, and forgiving others. She loved the Lord, her family and friends, the mountains of North Carolina, beautiful music, children, and all of God's creations, even two especially naughty, but faithful, dogs. She leaves behind two loving daughters, Patty Schinneller of Burlington, North Carolina and Kathy Pickrel of Maggie Valley; one stepdaughter, Ruth Deal (Bob) of Portland, Oregon; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends, including many children who considered her a surrogate grandmother. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Ft. Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in her memory to Long's Chapel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 459, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745. Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Waynesville is in charge of arrangements.

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