Patsy Wall Ezzell
April 25, 1938 ~ March 26, 2026
Born in: Guilford County, NC
Resided in: New Bern, NC
Patsy Wall Ezzell, age 87, died in New Bern on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Patsy was born and raised in High Point. She attended High Point Senior High and graduated from the Baptist School of Nursing in Winston-Salem. After graduating, Patsy spent her first few years of adulthood as a nurse in New Jersey. On a visit to Rocky Mount, her brother Ken introduced her to James Ezzell, Jr.
In 1964, Patsy moved with her new husband, Jim, to his hometown of Rocky Mount. During that time, she was a nurse at Nash General Hospital, local hospice organizations, Tar River Mission Clinic, and later as a private rehabilitation nurse.
Patsy was well-known in the Rocky Mount community for her work with Englewood Baptist Church, where she was a member for over 50 years. She was essential to her husband Jim’s legal and political career, which culminated in his serving as a state senator until his untimely death in 1991.
Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Fincher Stanton and Opal Phillips Wall, of High Point; her husband, James Earl Ezzell, Jr., of Rocky Mount; and her brother, Kenneth Wall, of Rocky Mount.
Patsy is survived by her sons: Mark of Raleigh; Jim and his wife, Julie, of Tamarac, FL; Stanton and his wife, Lisa Kafer, of New Bern; her grandchildren, Brittany Ezzell of Raleigh, Hailey Ezzell of Fort Lauderdale, FL, James and Marci Ezzell of Snow Hill, NC; Will and Allana Ezzell of Charlottesville, VA, Alison Ezzell of Blacksburg, VA, and Dave Ezzell of New Bern.
A Memorial Service to celebrate life will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 11 am at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
A Celebration of Patsy’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Charles Taylor officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Patsy’s memory to her longstanding church home, Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804; or the North Carolina Nurses Association, 4350 Lassiter at North Hills Ave., #250, Raleigh, NC 27609; or the Roy Cooper for Senate Campaign, Cooper for NC, PO Box 1190, Raleigh, NC 27602.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Services
Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 4, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Visitation: Saturday, April 4, 2026 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Patsy Wall Ezzell 's name.
Englewood Baptist Church
1350 S. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount,
NC
27803
North Carolina Nurses Association
4350 Lassiter at North Hills Ave., #250
Raleigh,
NC
27609
Roy Cooper for Senate Campaign, Cooper for NC
PO Box 1190
Raleigh,
NC
27602
Memories Timeline
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Patsy was an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. My best thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy, Mark, Stanton and families.
I have many fond memories of Patsy and am saddened to learn of her death.
Sue Woodley
Patsy was the best nurse, friend and neighbor. She helped my family so much when things came up. She, Jim, Mark, Jimmy, and Stan were so special. Growing up as their neighbor always had treasured memories. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Bless her family and enjoy all the cherished memories. I could never list all the memories, including cooking, being the best advisor for sickness and health, and opening her door any time day or night. I know my mom, dad, and Patsy and Jim are rejoicing in heaven with a big celebration…..Love and hugs to her boys and their families.
Was she still getting a dozen roses every Valentine’s Day from Jim? She treasured these flowers even after he passed away.
I did a lot of work for her around her original home and she always had it planned just right. I will miss her much.
Her granddaughter, Brittany, I hope she knows, was in the best hands a hard working mom and dad could provide.
Miss Patsy taught her well, now no longer suffering, she smiling in her own particular way looking down at her.
Patsy was a very compassionate nurse who loved her job for assisting people and helping them to recover. She and Crews Shearin assisted me with my mom on numerous occasions. My dad immensely enjoyed being around James in Sunday Scool at Englewood Baptist Church. Patsy your crown is full of jewels for all your kindness. .
Patsy was a remarkable kind lady. I cannot express the love she showed to others. She was there for my grandmother and so many more in time of need , sickness or just a friendly visit. She will be missed by many.
What a wonderful example of true friendship Patsy and my mom, Crews Shearin, showed the world! Whether it was a gift of presence when one or the other was sick, a laugh at a Wesleyan College production, or a time of sharing flowers or food each had grown or made, they were best buds. I can hear Mama now answering her phone when she saw Patsy’s number—“What’s up Queenie?” I’m sure they are having a good time catching up in heaven.
Patsy was so good to my parents, Richard and Zelma Rogers, during their illnesses. When my parents were unable to be with me during a health emergency, she stayed with my husband and helped him decide what were the best steps to take for me. She was a good friend and we missed seeing her. I know she’s enjoying her time with her Lord and being reunited with Jim.
I am so sad to learn just today about Patsy’s passing. We always treasured our friendship with Patsy and Jim and have many memories of friendship going back to Jaycee days. Our sympathy and prayers to all of you, Mark, Jimmy and Stanton. You are in our prayers!