| Kathryn Beryl Patton McDonald (Pat,Grandma Pat, Ms. Pat, Phat Pat, Pitty Pat) was born on a cold rainy day in Rutherfordton, NC, the foothills of the mountains on February 14, 1926 to Blanche McNeely Patton and Fitzgerald Elizur Patton. The story goes that her father insisted on a nurse to care for the nonstop crying baby (this definitely was not her later). The nurse gave her onion soup, so here lies her love for onions!Growing up was so easy for her on Ridgecrest St. She was blessed to have a wonderful loving brother Robert Patton who preceded her in death. They had a huge yard, tennis court, and a baseball field where they spent endless hours playing with all the neighborhood children. She loved tennis and baseball and many sports and was quite handy with a BB gun, as she was known for her sure shot.She graduated from Rutherford Central High School and went on to college at Queens College in Charlotte, NC where she earned a bachelor of science in Art. She also attended ASTC in Boone, NC where she obtained a high school teaching certificate in art and primary education. She taught school at Elizabeth Elementary in Charlotte, NC where she lived, and met the love of her life in the S&W Cafeteria where he approached her and asked if she would like a cup of coffee. The rest is 66 years of history together in marriage and three daughters. They lived in Charlotte, NC for several years then moved to Tallahassee, FL for a few years then back to her home state of NC and settled in Chapel Hill where she lived for over 40 years and loved every minute of it. She loved the friendly community and adored her neighbors so much; they were like family to her. She also was a huge Tarheel fan!In Florida, she was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and loved helping others. When they moved to Chapel Hill she started working at Wee Care Preschool for 25 years where she touched so many young lives. She would correspond with some from time to time through the years. She loved people, children and of course babies! She never stopped teaching and mothering up until the very end. She loved flowers and working in her yard and was still using those power tools up into her 90s. She loved sitting in her sunroom and watching her lovely bluebirds build their home in her tree and actually saw them fly out of the nest once. Her backyard brought her lots of joy as she sat watching the deer meander thru the yarding eating whatever they can find and the hummingbirds flying in for a little drink.
She was an active member of University Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. She was a member of Circle #2 where she found overwhelming love and support from her members. They are her lifelong friends, and have given so much support to her and her daughters. She adored them so much. She was very active in the Auxiliary of American Legion Post #6 of Chapel Hill where she enjoyed participating in many activities they sponsored and made lifelong friends there as well.
She was very strong in faith and loved her Lord. She enjoyed sharing the Word with everyone. She never hesitated to share her wisdom. When she walked into the room it lit up like a star. She shared an overwhelming amount of love for everyone. She made you feel like you were the only thing in the world that mattered to her. She was extremely generous and thoughtful and would give whatever she could at anytime to anyone. She was also very tech savvy. She had an iPhone, iPad, Ipod, Kindle and zoomed with friends, family, and circle friends. She would once in a while be on facebook live!
She is survived by her three loving and dedicated daughters, Katherine McDonald Bradley (Bobby) of Tallahassee, FL; Jane McDonald Botzenhart (Thomas) of Chesapeake, VA; and Leslie McDonald Pompilio (Richard) of Ashburn, VA. Grandchildren, Michele Boston (Alonza), Patricia Pettway (Reese), Connor, Matthew, William, and Kathryn Rose Pompilio. Great-grandchildren Shawn and Jacari Spencer, Lyric and Skylar Pettway, Sydney and James Boston. Great-great granddaughter Harmonei Spencer. Sister-in-law Elizabeth Davis of Union, SC. Nieces Susan McDonald Hughes of Rock Hill, SC. Elizabeth and Julia McDonald of Charlotte, NC. Anne Patton of Chapel Hill, NC. Becky Patton of Mebane, NC. Nicole Senter (Levi) of Mebane, NC. Two nephews George Terry McDonald of Asheville, NC. and Robert Patton of Mebane, NC. Also survived by many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband William C. McDonald, Jr., brother Robert Patton (Helen); brother in law Robert (Evelyn) McDonald; George (Barbara) McDonald; brother-in-law William Davis. Nephews David, Sandy, and Robert Davis.
She spent her last few years living in Chesapeake, VA with Jane, Tom, and grand-dogs Fudgie, Miayah, Maylee and Mischa. She passed away peacefully in Jane’s arms on January 31, 2021. She left behind her beloved sweet dog Magnolia (Maggie). They were a bonded pair and had special love for each other.
The family would like to thank Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, MICU unit, Sentara Hospice, and our compassionate caregiver Ada for all her help and care.
Memorials may be made to University Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill, NC and Meals on Wheels of Chapel Hill-Carrboro NC.
Graveside service will be held June 5, 2021 in Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, 1721 Legion Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. The family request that you would please wear your mask. |
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