EDEN — Patsy Marie Mabe Barton died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 4, 2011 in Eden, NC at the age of 83.

A funeral service will be held at Spray United Methodist Church in Eden, NC on Wednesday, September 7 at 2 p.m. A visitation with the family will be held 1 hour prior to the service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Overlook Cemetery.

She was born in Spray, NC on October 7, 1927 to the late Roland England Mabe and Mamie (Dillon) Mabe. She was predeceased by her husband Carl Hughes Barton ("Bill"), sister Christine Easley and brother Wallace Mabe. Surviving are her sister Caroline Mabe Lee; her nieces and nephews Martha Lee Williamson ("Skeeter"), C. Scott Lee (Sue Anne), Patsy Lee Stegall (Charles), Wallace Mabe Jr. (Donna), Debra Mabe Caprioli (Thomas), William Douglas Mabe; her great nieces and nephews Elizabeth Lee Tomatsu, Caroline Turner Williamson, Kimberly Mabe Horwitz, Erika Mabe Sasser, Bryan Wallace Mabe, Aria Anne Lee, Jordan Lee Stegall, Dillon Clayton Stegall, Hunter Farrell Stegall, and Sebastian Mabe.

She was a 1947 graduate of Pfeiffer University. She had a long career as the secretary to the Vice President of Human Resources at Fieldcrest Mills and retired in October of 1990. She was a lifelong member of Spray United Methodist Church where she selflessly offered her time and energy to the congregation, as well as, serving as their secretary for 53 years. She served as the community representative on the ethics committee at Morehead Memorial Hospital. She was devoted to Project Linus and made many baby caps and blankets over the years for children in need. She was a 20 plus year cancer survivor and was an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society - Rockingham County Unit. She also was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

She adored her nieces and nephews like her own. Her wonderful sense of humor and beautiful storytelling endeared her to everyone. She was a beloved family member and friend to all and will be greatly missed.