Patricia Elizabeth Mickel

Loving aunt, sister, daughter, and friend, Patricia E. Mickel was promoted to heaven on August 25, 2026, where she was reunited with her heavenly father and other dearly departed loved ones and friends. She looked forward to being the celestial family reunion organizer with many heavenly follies to follow her arrival.

Patricia—Aunty, Trisha—was born in Elkin, North Carolina on February 5, 1950, to her loving parents John Riley Mickel and Hazel E. Bauguess Mickel.

Patricia attended college at Gardner-Webb, where she studied computer science and programming. After college, Patricia worked for Southern Bell in Charlotte before later moving to South Carolina as the department head of computer science for Horry Tech. She deeply loved her time in South Carolina, especially the beach walks and attending services at Oceanview Baptist Church.

Patricia’s nieces, Tamara and Sarah would spend summers with Patricia at the beach. Patricia enjoyed spoiling both girls. Patricia made sure to take them on special trips, including a 2000 trip to Disney World, and other more local trips to historic monuments and battlefields, and to the Outer Banks.

Traveling was a very fun pastime for Patricia, and she went to many places, both for work and pleasure. She walked on the beaches of Puerto Rico and saw the lava tubes in Hawaii with her dear friend, Baria. Patricia took her father and Susan to see the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She has been across the United States from Vermont to Seattle to Hawaii and back again. Miss Pat could tell you something interesting from everywhere as she handed over a souvenir she brought back for you.

When she wasn't traveling or hard at work in the UNC school system, Patricia made sure to attend as many family reunions as possible because she always loved maintaining those family connections and catching up with everyone. She never met a stranger, just a new fast friendship would be made.

It is impossible to convey just how loved Patricia was by so many. She will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched and blessed by knowing her.

She is survived by sister Susan Mickel Wood (Tony) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina; nieces Tamara Ganson Riggs (Doug) of Clemmons, North Carolina, and Sarah Ganson of Seattle, Washington; and great-nieces (Grace and Norah), cousins, Alvin (the brother of her heart) and many extended family members.

The family wishes to express profound gratitude to all the medical staff at Atrium Health Monroe and Trellis (Kate B. Reynolds) Hospice House. The family also wants to thank the friends and church family in Monroe that have helped Patricia.

Arrangement details for a memorial service will be forthcoming.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is respectfully serving the family.