Wednesday, April 2, 2025 9:46 am

Dr. Patricia R. Whitley, 82, of Salisbury, NC passed away peacefully March 21, 2025.

Pat was born September 14, 1942, to Oscar and Nell Rice of Conover.

Pat graduated from Newton Conover High School and attended Lenoir-Rhyne College and Appalachian State University where she earned her master's degree. She earned her Doctorate in Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Pat was a professor at Catawba College where she taught for 48 years. Pat coached all five Catawba women's athletic teams from 1964-1973 and continued to coach volleyball until 1981. Pat was a member of the Catawba Chief's Club and was inducted into the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

Pat was predeceased by her parents, Oscar and Nell Rice, and her brother, Jim Rice.

She is survived by her twin sister, Peggy Sherrill of Asheboro.

A graveside service was held at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Union Mills, March 28.