Patsy Ann Atwood

In Loving Memory of Patsy Ann Atwood

Patsy Ann Atwood, a devoted mother, grandmother, and beloved member of her community and the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1951, in Scotland County, North Carolina, Patsy was the daughter of the late Hubert and Liddy Mae Bell of Red Springs. For many years, she was a dedicated employee of the Robeson County School System, where she worked in service of the local schools and the children of her community. Her hard work and steady presence were a vital part of the school system she supported for so long.

Patsy found her greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid fan of Bingo and loved a good game of cards with friends. She was often happiest with a fishing pole in her hand or surrounded by the laughter of her family. Throughout her later years, she was rarely seen without her beloved dog and companion, "ZZ", who remained faithfully at her side.

Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jimmy” Atwood; her brothers, Randy Bell and Donald Bell, both of Laurinburg; and her parents.

Her legacy of love and strength is carried on by her four children: her son, James “Jim Bob” Atwood, Jr. of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; and her daughters, Keyla Denise Bell (Lynn) of Huntersville, NC, Tracy Lynn Bell of Shallotte, NC, and Germaine Locklear of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Bullard (Jimmy) of Prospect, NC, and her brother, Glenn Bell (Dana) of Wakulla, NC, also two special cousins Susan Brewer Morgan of Angier NC and Cissy Wilson of Hamlet NC. 

“MawMaw” will be deeply missed by her six grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Hollis “CJ” Harris, Cydnee Harris, Justin Locklear, Joseph King, Nathaniel King, and Aaron VanNatter, Jr. She also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family and dear friends who will miss her sharp wit and warm company.

Service Information

A Service to Celebrate Patsy’s life will be held at Boles Funeral Home in Red Springs, NC, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The time of the service will be 11:00am.

Arrangements are being handled jointly through Carolina Mortuary Services of Charlotte, NC, and Boles Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Robeson County, North Carolina at   https://rchsociety.weebly.com/donate.html