Priscilla "Pate" Beaver

1938 - 2026

Priscilla "Pate" Beaver

August 20, 1938 - February 17, 2026

Pate Beaver did it all. She was a daughter, sister, student, teacher, wife, mother, sales executive, business owner, grandmother and now beloved child of God. August 20, 1938, Priscilla Jean Athy (Pate Beaver), was born to Lester and Jane Anna Athy.

An avid athlete and accomplished musician, Pate grew up with her big sister, Gretchen Athy (Gretchen Reinders) in New Carlise, Ohio.

After earning her bachelor's degree at Miami of Ohio University, Pate began her career as a teacher and later married the late Richard Snouse. Together they had two children: Michael Snouse (Cam) and Chris Brotherton (Tim).

After moving to North Carolina, divorcing her first husband, and earning a master's degree, Pate made a career change from education to business – she really did do it all. It was while starting her own business that she met the love of her life, Bill Beaver. Upon their marriage, Pate's family grew to include Bill's daughters: Shelly Lowry (Michael) and Dale McKnight (Bud). It wasn't long after that, our family expanded again to include six grandchildren: Sarah Jo, Ben, Abby, Tyler, Andrew and Jessica. Pate & Bill made their permanent home on Lake Norman near Mooresville, N.C.

Mom was an extremely independent person. In later years she was remembered as having a "spicy" personality – and they weren't kidding. That said, Mom was fiercely loyal to her friends, family and loved ones. When she loved, she loved "hard".

Mom also loved Lake Norman and everything about it. From her friends and the relaxed "old lake" lifestyle to the uniqueness of all four seasons reflected in its waters. Of all of these, at least for most of her life, Mom loved summer best. It was there in this season that she taught Chris and I to swim and to enjoy the simplicity of being outdoors. And if you weren't careful, she could always find a "project" for the unsuspecting "idle kid" who was simply trying to take advantage of summer vacation – you kind of had to be there...

All of us will have our own "best memories" of Pate. Mine is of a time many years ago when I was taking a "black & white" photography class. Mom offered to help me, and we went around the lake shooting pictures. Across the lake from home, there was at the time, a very small island that has now eroded away. It was here that I got to shoot a picture of her standing in the water and looking intently into the sun. It was a warm, late summer day. There was a breeze, small waves were lapping at the shore and I think the image captured who she truly was and how she felt at that moment. She was in her "sanctuary." She was at peace, content, and at home. That photograph still hangs in her office.

Prior to her passing, Pate requested that there be no formal service held on her behalf but rather her family gather by the lake on some warm afternoon to remember her. We will honor her wishes. If you would like to do something in remembrance of Pate, the Mooresville Christian Mission was her favorite charity. Any donations would be appreciated and put to good use.

Sometime in the future, when you are in your own "sanctuary," and you look out and see the golden sun reflecting off the water, take a moment to remember Pate and know, without a shadow of doubt, that you were truly loved.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Beaver family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory

494 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC 28115