Lucy Pate Little

Lucy Pate Little, 93, peacefully went to her eternal home on August 31, 2020. Lucy was born on Nov 1, 1926 in Gibson, NC to Thomas Carlisle and Mildred Breeden Pate. Lucy and her sister Corinne enjoyed living on Main Street in Gibson where their father was the Postmaster. The Pate family actively farmed area lands, some visible from their front porch. The backyard chicken coop confirms the rural setting. Losing their father at age 12, Lucy came to fully appreciate being surrounded by the love and care of family and neighbors. Dr. James Pate, her dad’s brother, was a role model for Lucy and supported her desire to attend Queens College. After graduating from Queens College, she accepted a teaching position at Wadesboro High School. With a sharp mind and a firm resolve, her students knew they had met their match in Miss Pate. Lucy soon caught the eye of long time bachelor Charles Lemuel Little and a courtship quickly blossomed. When talk of her considering a job at a distant school arose, suddenly an engagement ring appeared and on July 30, 1947 they were married. No doubt Charles’ mother Effie played the piano with gusto in celebration of her son joining in marriage with the lovely Lucy Pate. In the years ahead Charles & Lucy were blessed with three wonderful children. Gifted at multi-tasking, Lucy could be singing the anthem in the Methodist Church choir and disciplining her children on the front pew with a raised eyebrow at the same time. Lucy was a long time member of the Worthwhile Club, several bridge clubs, the Colonial Dames and Rotary where she was recognized as a Paul Harris fellow. Lucy was a staunch supporter of all the business and civic organizations of Wadesboro belonging to the Chamber of Commerce for many years. She is a lifetime member of the Anson Historical Society and the Anson County Arts Council. Her love for her church, First Methodist Church, was foremost in her life. She served on numerous boards at church and was involved in many women’s groups there. She was honored by the church in 2019 for her faithful and dedicated service for 70 + years. Lucy took the reigns as Matriarch of the family following Charles’ death and was cherished as a guiding light and a faithful servant of the Lord by her children, grandchildren and great-grands. She loved visiting shut-ins and nursing home folks, bringing cheer and comfort to all. “Soucie”, as she was known by to her grandkids and great grandkids, is survived by her daughter Corinne Nicholson (John), daughter Effie Richert (Gary), and son Charles Jr (Janie). Grandchildren include John Nicholson IV, Effie Glover (Colin) Gary Richert Jr. (Jackie), Thomas Richert (Yeongju), Lucy Tomlinson (Ted), Meg Little and Charles Little III. Great grandchildren include Cassidy and Zachery Nicholson, ML Glover, Henry and Hazel Richert, Faith Richert, and Jacob and Annabel Tomlinson. She is also survived by one sister-in-law Mildred Little and many nieces and nephews that were very dear to her. Lucy was predeceased by her beloved husband Charles Little and sister Corinne Pate Stevenson. The family is forever grateful for a group of outstanding caregivers who cared for Lucy in the home these past few years and for Annie Jane Sturdivant (deceased) and Annie Sene Hough who assisted Lucy in her home for many decades. Lucy will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother and great grandmother, and a beautiful Christian friend. A graveside service will be held for immediate family. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, anyone desiring to make a gift is asked to support First United Methodist Church, 118 E. Morgan St., Wadesboro, NC 28170 (online at www.firstumcwadesboro.org).