Patricia Story

Patricia Story, 78, of Mount Gilead passed away Friday afternoon, January 29, 2021 at FirstHealth Hospice in Pinehurst. 

Patricia was born June 18, 1942 in Rowan County to the late Joseph Carson Story, Sr. and Phyllis Smith Story.  She was a 1960 graduate of Mount Gilead High School and attended Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) of the College of William and Mary in Richmond, Virginia.  She remained in Richmond for several years following college where she was active in the theater community as well as advertising.  Her love for the theater lead her to New York City where she became a publicist in the entertainment industry.  One of her favorite projects was the annual production of floats in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Later in her career, she focused her publicity talents in the motion picture industry.  Some of her favorites include the Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood and the Muppets.  This afforded her the opportunity to travel to many exciting places.  Patricia loved to travel, both professionally and personally, and was often accompanied by her Mother.  She returned to her hometown in 2007 to help care for her aging parents where she focused her talents and boundless energy on her church and enhancing the cultural community.  

In addition to her parents, Patricia is preceded in death by her sister, Peggy Elizabeth (Betsy) Story.  Patricia is survived by her friend and companion of 24 years, Ray Simm.  She is also survived by her brother Joseph Carson Story, Jr (Doris Story) from Durham, NC and five sisters:  Phyllis Strider (Robert Strider) of Mount Gilead; Pam Story (Frieda Clayton) of Jacksonville, Florida; Paula Rankin (Steve Tyndall) of Punta Gorda, Florida; Tina Livingston (Phillip Davidoff) of Delray Beach, Florida; and Tami Styer (Dave Styer) of Huntersville, NC. She is also survived by seven nephews, three nieces and seven great nieces and nephews.    

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Cemetery in Mount Gilead on February 3, 2021 at 2pm.  Memorials can be made to the Mt. Gilead First United Methodist Church endowment fund (P.O. Box 176, Mt Gilead, NC 27306).  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia Story, please visit our floral store.