Carolyn Joyce Pate

Carolyn Joyce Pate, United States Air Force Veteran and retired Sergeant with the Hope Mills Police Department, passed away December 27, 2017 from pancreatic cancer at the SECU Hospice House, in Smithfield, NC.  

Carolyn was born December 13, 1950, to the late William Claxton “W. C.” Pate and Arlene Barnes Pate. After graduating from Clinton High School, she served as a military police officer in the United States Air Force. She then went on to earn her degree in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville Tech Community College. She faithfully served with the Hope Mills Police Department from May 1986 until her retirement in September of 2007. During that time, she worked as a patrol officer, detective and as a training officer up to her retirement.

The absolute joy of her life was loving and caring for animals, especially her dogs. She was particularly partial to Dobermans, having loved and cared for many throughout the years! She enjoyed taking great care of her home, whether it was painting, cleaning or decorating. She was a gifted artist, having painted many pictures for her family and friends, which will be treasured always. She was an avid photographer, and constantly had her camera ready to capture all of life’s memorable moments. Many of her photographs were taken while visiting friends and family at the beach in Wilmington, NC. Other life passions including gardening, and dancing.  

She is survived by her beloved Doberman, Sage; step-sister, Carol Bass of Wilmington, NC; sister-in-law, Joe Anne Pate and niece Tonya Pate Wright, both of Cary, NC.

She is preceded in death by her brother, William Anthony “Tony” Pate and her step-mother, Jean Daughtry Pate.

A memorial service is planned for January 13, 2018 at 11 am at Royal-Hall Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton NC, with Pastor Steve Porter officiating. Family and friends will gather following the memorial service in the chapel.

In her last weeks, Carolyn and her family were blessed beyond measure by the staff and volunteers at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, in Carolyn’s honor, to the SECU Hospice House, 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Pate family.