WILMINGTON — Ms. Velma “Pat” Hargrove, age 95, of Riegelwood, NC entered the Gates of Heaven on May 2, 2025 surrounded by her devoted daughters in her home. She was born on August 13, 1929, in Riegelwood, NC.
Pat is survived by her daughters, Lou Wilder (Jeff) and June Gore; granddaughters April Smith (Chris) and Lindsey Gatewood (Patrick); great-grandchildren Taylor and Carter Smith and Mary Ella and Whitaker Gatewood; sister Myrtle Bigford; brother Clayton “Cooter” Heath; a special nephew, Larry “Charlie” Fowler, who was like a son to Pat along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Carey and Lenna Heath; brothers Jimmie Heath, Elvin Ray Heath, and Forrest Heath; sisters Vera Russ, Mattie Settlemeyer, and Mable Peterson.
Pat was proud to be a member of the first graduating class to complete 12 years at Acme Delco school. Professionally Pat worked in various fields such as retail and clerical before joining her brother, Jimmie, and sister, Myrtle, managing Heath’s Restaurant where she formed long lasting friendships with faithful customers. Pat’s compassionate nature was evident in the many years spent caring for family members and others in need. She was a lifelong member of Weyman Methodist Church which later merged with Wesley-Weyman Methodist Church in Riegelwood.
She loved cooking, fishing, lighthouses, The Price is Right, Bill Elliott and was an avid Tarheel fan. She never missed a Tarheel basketball game on TV and never turned down the opportunity to attend a game at the Dean Dome. The only thing she loved more than the Tarheels was her family and friends. She cherished cooking a meal and having friends and family gather at her kitchen table to enjoy. Pat was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love and compassion to all she encountered. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her, but we know she is healed and rejoicing with her Lord.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Wesley-Weyman Methodist Church in Riegelwood.
A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00pm, Wednesday, May 7, at Wesley-Weyman Methodist Church with Pastor Skip Williams and Pastor Lamont Hemminger officiating. A graveside service will follow at Weyman Methodist Church Cemetery. A celebration of life will continue with food and fellowship at Charlie and Angie Fowler’s home.
The family would like to recognize the pallbearers for the special place they held in Pat’s life: Charlie Fowler, Wayne Pender, Billy Woodburn, Chris Smith, Patrick Gatewood, and Jeff Wilder.
The family expresses their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Cosgrove and staff, special friend Penny, and her angels, Lisa, Charlene, and Mo from Lower Cape Fear LifeCare who provided support and compassion during Pat’s final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Weyman Cemetery Fund C/O Diane Rabon 156 Narrow Gap Rd, Riegelwood, NC 28456, Wesley-Weyman Methodist Church PO Box 1169 Riegelwood, NC 28456, or Lower Cape Fear Lifecare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401.
