Patsy Ann Wethington

Patsy Ann Wethington was born on March 25, 1938 in Vandemere, NC to the late Mary E. Jones Fisher and Wealthy Fisher, Sr. On April 13, 2026, Patsy peacefully and quietly entered into eternal rest at Carnegie Assisted Living in Princeton, NJ.  

Patsy spent her adolescent years working in the seafood industry“heading shrimp” when she wasn’t working at the juke joint owned by her father. Her Christian faith began at St. James Church, Vandemere.

After graduating from Pamlico County High School, Bayboro, NC in 1956 she relocated to NJ where she lived for many years. In 1957, Patsy embarked on a successful career as a lab technician at Universal Electronics and Dalto Electronics where she was responsible for wiring and soldering electronic components. She advanced her career in 1970 when she became employed by Teledyne Isotopes, a provider of radiation monitoring services. At Teledyne, she worked in the badge assembly department which involved placing sensitive Teflon TLD dosimeters into plastic holders to allow for accurate radiation reading. She was recognized as Teledyne Isotopes Employee of the Year in 1980 for outstanding dedication and performance in upgrading and maintaining quality craftsmanship throughout many years. 

When she wasn’t working, Patsy had a passion for helping others. In the spring of 1993, she was presented with a certificate for completion of course requirements in Geriatric Nursing Assistant by the Bergen County Board of Vocational Education. She also completed a state-approved nursing assistant program for a long-term care facility nurse aide and placed on the NJ State Nurse Aide Registry, July 1993. 

While residing in NJ, she was a member of Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, Closter, NJ where she served on the pastor’s aide ministry. She later found her church home at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ. At Mt. Zion Baptist, she faithfully served in many capacities including the usher board, pastor’s aide, scholarship committee and assisted with many women’s day programs. In May 1999, she was recognized for forty-seven years of membership and service to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

After retiring from Teledyne, Patsy’s passion for helping and caring for others led her to return to Vandemere in 1999 to care for her parents which she did without hesitation. She immediately found ways to get reacclimated to Vandemere. Patsy was recognized for her outstanding performance in supporting the Pamlico County Emergency Office during Hurricane season 1999. She became an active member of Antioch Congregational Christian Church, Bayboro, NC whereshe graciously gave much of her time and talents to the glory of God serving on the pastor’s aide and kitchen ministries. She remained an active member until her health failed. She was a praying woman and would always say, “you need to get on your knees and pray”.

Over the years, Patsy found personal fulfillment working with her hands. She enjoyed cooking and prepared countless meals for church events and parties. She also loved to decorate tables and create table centerpieces.  Patsy found peace and joy tackling 5,000 to over 10,000-piece puzzles. Her most notable puzzle assembly was the Lord’s Supper, which she glued and framed for resale.  Patsy was also an avid word search enthusiasts and loved watching game shows, especially Family Feud.    

Patsy had a great love for family and recognized as a mother to many. She was loving, kind, strong and determined. She loved hosting Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas breakfast. The family looked forward to her homemade biscuits.    

She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Wethington, her son, Gregory Nixon (JoAnn) and eight siblings.  She leaves to cherish her memories and legacy, her children, Maxie Nixon, Jr. (Deborah) and Patricia Askew (Charles); her grandchildren, Christian Askew, Matthew Nixon and Niles Nixon; godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family and dear friends.