Patricia Toole
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Patricia Donnell Willingham Toole, 91, died on May 17 in Davidson, NC. A native of Goldsboro, NC, her life's journey took her to Georgia and Alabama before returning to the Tar Heel State in 2003. A graduate of Women's College (UNCG) who also earned a Master's from Columbus College (Columbus State University of Georgia), she taught 10th Grade English for many years, but more informally worked on the grammar of her offspring throughout their days! She loved her family and friends with unwavering devotion and creativity, brought a positive spirit to every conversation and was quick to laugh at herself while showing a courageous resilience through life's challenges. She loved the theater and classical music and was sustained by a deep and abiding faith as a lifelong Presbyterian.
Pat was preceded in death by her husbands, Edward Lee Willingham, III and Ralph Reginald Toole, her sister, Mary Lou Pope, and her parents, Edna and Albert Donnell. She is survived by her five children: Ed (Carol) Willingham of Raleigh, NC, Bert (Mary) Willingham of Cleveland, TN, John (Lori) Willingham of Doylestown, PA, Martha (Bob) Child of Waynesville, NC, and Rob (Katie) Willingham of Charlotte, NC; two step-children: Shawn (Nan) Toole of Houston, TX and Shannon Toole (Jeff Larrroca) of Arlington, VA; 14 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will occur on July 15 at 1 p.m. at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh with a reception to follow. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staffs of Magnolia Glen, The Pines at Davidson, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Charlotte for the loving care they provided over the last few years. Memorials may be directed to any of the congregations where she lived out her faith over the years, including: First Presbyterian of Goldsboro, NC (https://www.fpcgoldsboro.org), First Presbyterian of Columbus, GA (https://www.columbusfpc.com), Evergreen Presbyterian of Dothan, AL (http://evergreenpres.net), or White Memorial Presbyterian of Raleigh (https://www.whitememorial.org).
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, NC is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.