Patsy Neal Eckard

Patsy Neal Eckard

Patsy Neal Eckard, 88, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017.

Her wit, dramatic facial expressions and outgoing personality brought to mind a Golden Era Hollywood starlet rather than a housewife and mother. And back in the day, she had that Elizabeth Taylor look that defined a Silver Screen star. She briefly dated Heavyweight Boxing Champ Rocky Marciano, and we used to tease her that she should have been an actress.

Vanity was strong with Patsy, and it didn't matter how you felt as long as you looked good. And she looked good more often than most. Hats were her signature look, and she could rock everything from a fedora to a ball cap with equal measure of style and grace. When she would leave the house, you'd usually catch her checking herself in the mirror, which always was strategically hanging by the front door.

Patsy was born Feb. 21, 1929, in Bluefield, W.Va. The first child of a Depression Era family, she often lamented about being poor. She talked about one Christmas when all eight kids received a box of oranges as their only present. As the oldest, Patsy also talked about having to grow up quickly. She had responsibilities while her mom was caring for babies that kept coming year after year. At age 6 or 7, Patsy walked several blocks through town to pay the family light bill, or so the story goes.

Patsy was married for 52 years to Frank Eckard, who died in 2001. They had three sons, Gary Eckard, Neal Eckard and Eric Eckard. She always bragged about her boys, whether it was to the rest of the family or some stranger she met at the checkout counter. She would talk to anyone, and Patsy would make you feel pretty special even after one conversation.

Patsy initially was a stay at home mom, but she eventually joined the workforce as a bookkeeper for Tulloss Tractor Co. and later as a typist at the Rocky Mount Telegram. She loved to read, mostly true crime stories. She joked that she wanted to figure out the best way to murder her youngest son, who teased her mercilessly but devotedly took care of her in her later years.

Her parents, Clyde "Buck" Neal and Frances Yost Neal, preceded her death, as did brothers, Ted Neal, Bill Neal and Tom Neal; sisters, Penny Doerr, Polly Neal and Judy Neal; and grandson, Keith Jones. In addition to her sons, Patsy is survived by two daughters-in-law, Julie Eckard and Connie Eckard; three granddaughters, Lorelei Lanoue, Theresa Eckard and Haylee Sweeley; three great- grandchildren, Alexandrea Lanoue, Eva Menchaca and Wyatt "Nick" Stokely; brothers, Mickey Neal and Gregg Neal; sister, Peggy Hesson; and plenty of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family thanks the staff at Hunter Hills Nursing Home in Rocky Mount. They cared for her wonderfully in her final year. Also, we'd like to thank Connie Ivey, a friend and caretaker second to none.

Patsy was an amazing woman, and anyone who met her was a lucky person.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, N.C. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

As published in the Rocky Mount Telegram