Patricia Hinds Marschall Spearman

1933 - 2025

Patricia Hinds Marschall Spearman

April 29, 1933 - January 5, 2025

Chapel Hill, North Carolina - Patricia Hinds Marschall ("Pat") Spearman, a pioneering female attorney and law teacher, passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Jim and Etta Fay Hinds, Pat followed in the trailblazing footsteps of her older sister, Barbara Finney, breaking glass ceilings in the legal profession from the 1950s until the 1990s.

In 1955, Pat graduated at the top of her class from the University of Texas School of Law, where she was the only female among 18 student editors of the law review. The editor in chief was her friendly rival, Bill Marschall, whom she married in June 18, 1955. They settled in Bill's hometown of San Angelo, where Pat practiced family law and served as a municipal court judge until their divorce in 1968. Pat and her two young daughters then moved to Boston, where she obtained a masters in law degree from Harvard.

After teaching for two years at the Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Pat became the first female professor at Duke University's law school in 1972. In 1975 she joined the faculty of the North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she was a popular teacher and, from 1989 until her retirement 1992, an assistant dean.

In 1972, Patricia married Bob Spearman, a young lawyer and active North Carolina Democrat. Together, they cultivated a lively social life, surrounded by a wide and diverse circle of friends, colleagues, and family. Pat loved entertaining and her adventurous cooking always impressed. Their home was a sanctuary for many, offering respite and support to those in need. Wherever she went, Pat's Texas-accented voice was unmistakable, her laugh was wholehearted, and her presence filled any room.

Beyond her professional achievements and gregarious social life, Pat was a creative force who seamlessly blended her legal acumen with artistic pursuits. She designed and built two of her own homes, each reflecting her unique vision and attention to detail. Her passion for art and nature culminated in a book of her photographs of dramatic sculptures adorning private gardens. An avid gardener and landscape designer, Pat transformed her surroundings into whimsical landscapes of color and form, showcasing her dedication to beauty and creativity.

Pat's legacy is one of courage, compassion, and perseverance. She is survived by her daughters, Madolyn Marschall (Mark Salditch) and Dorothy Marschall; and grandchildren, Zoe Salditch (Star Sawyer), Leah Salditch (Art Zachary), Ellis Hurtado, and Weston Hurtado, who will continue to honor her memory and the profound impact she had on their lives.

Contributions in her honor may be made to the Jim Hinds Garden, named after Pat's father, checks payable to: Stephen F. Austin State University. Mailing Address - Attn: Office of Development, Jim Hinds Garden - P.O. Box 6092, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962.