Patricia Shuman Faulkner

Patricia Shuman Faulkner completed her earthly journey on July 11, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on July 22, 1941 in Columbia, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Wynona Birdie McKenzie Shuman and John Franklin Shuman, Jr.

Her beloved husband, Richard Faulkner, preceded her in death by only eight weeks. She is survived by her two children, Julie Faulkner Connelly (Christopher) and John Richard Faulkner (Mark Groeninger), and her cherished grandchildren Julia Ernst (Ryan), Scott Connelly, and Robert Connelly.

As an only child growing up in Henderson, North Carolina, Pat was extraordinarily close to her cousins and extended family in Furman, South Carolina. Pat loved spending holidays and summers in Furman, and she often spoke fondly of the summer when she was sent there to escape the polio epidemic. Her favorite pastime in Furman, however, was telling family stories on her grandmother’s screened porch. Pat became a master storyteller, entertaining friends, family, and coworkers with the best stories recounting events from her life and those from generations before. Pat artfully endeared herself to everyone around her, spreading love and joy wherever she went.

Pat was a freshman at Henderson High School when she met Richard. The two became high school sweethearts, and Pat graduated from Meredith College in three years so she could marry Richard. They lived two years in Germany, as Richard was a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army, then moved to Matthews, NC to start their family. During this time, Pat became an active member of Park Road Baptist Church, and it is here that she first started teaching Sunday School. Pat always professed that there was no question too big for God to handle, so she never stopped studying, thinking, and teaching. Pat and Richard made life-long friends through Park Road Baptist Church, friendships that now extend to the next generation.

Richard’s work brought them to Marion, North Carolina in 1975 where they embraced the community and raised two children, Julie and John. When her children were well into school, she herself went back to school to obtain her Master’s degree in Counseling, and later a second Master’s degree in School Administration. Pat first became an elementary school guidance counselor before spending time in guidance at West McDowell Junior High and then as an Assistant Principal at McDowell High School. She eventually was awarded her own school, serving as Principal of Old Fort Elementary for twelve years and twice earning honors as Principal of the Year. She absolutely loved working with the Old Fort students, faculty and community, and this was the highlight of her career.

All along, Pat continued to be heavily involved in her children’s and their friends’ lives and activities, creating more stories and memories to share. She later became known as “Granny” to her grandchildren and many others. Pat treated everyone as if she had known them forever and they were truly part of her family.

Pat and Richard were both active members of First Baptist Church of Marion for nearly 50 years. Pat sang alto in the Sanctuary Choir and taught the Journey Adult Sunday School class for many years. Pat often served on committees, served as deacon, and even delivered a few lay sermons from the pulpit. She gave one such sermon on a snowy Sunday about 20 years ago where she referenced the Velveteen Rabbit and what it means to “become real”. Attendees from that day still remark how this one sermon had a profound impact on their lives.

After retirement, Pat directed more of her time towards community service not only at First Baptist but also with McDowell Mission Ministries, the Corpening YMCA, the McDowell County Department of Social Services, and the McDowell County Health Coalition. While serving on the board of the Health Coalition, Pat was instrumental in writing and securing a major grant to improve health care access for the low-income, uninsured, and underserved people of McDowell County. Pat and Richard never hesitated to act on their deeply felt responsibility to help others around them.

In 2021, Pat and Richard moved to Taylor Glen Retirement Community in Concord, NC to be near their daughter. When Richard passed away in May, Pat was so heartbroken that she joined him shortly thereafter. They are in their heavenly home together again.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and generosity. Pat made friends wherever she went, and she genuinely loved everyone around her. Anyone spending time on her porch knew the depth of her character and kindness. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and her community.

A celebration of life service will be held at Stafford Baptist Church in Furman, SC, at 11am on August 10, 2024. Family and friends are invited to attend. Memorials in Pat’s memory can be made to the Stafford Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Robert Mixon, PO Box 85, Furman, SC 29921; to First Baptist Church of Marion, 99 N Main Street, Marion, NC 28752; or to Park Road Baptist Church, 3900 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Faulkner family.