Patricia Ray O'Quinn McCarley

Patricia Ray O’Quinn McCarley, 81, of Harpersville, formerly of Bluff Park, passed away on May 22. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Edward O’Quinn, Sr. and Mary Watters O’Quinn, and her brother, Joseph Edward O’Quinn, Jr. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Robert Dewey McCarley, Sr., daughter Katherine McCarley Healy (John) of Atlanta, GA., son Robert Dewey McCarley, Jr. (Susana) of Dalton, GA, three granddaughters Caitlin Rose Healy and Susanna Grace Healy of Atlanta, GA, and Margaret Ray Healy of Nashville, TN, sisters Susan Ellen O’Quinn, Jeri O’Quinn Hodo, and Patti McDow O’Quinn Evans (Tim), and nieces and nephews.

Pat and Dewey met at “MYF” Methodist Youth Fellowship at Bluff Park United Methodist Church as teenagers. They both attended Shades Valley High School and quickly became inseparable since Dewey was her bus driver (as a favor to the school since he was a senior and could drive in reverse). For 62 years, they built their marriage, their family, and their dream house in the country.

Pat was very proud of Kathy and Dewey Jr., especially their education. A true fan of Dewey Jr.’s Alma Mater, Auburn University, she never missed a game on TV and shouted “War Eagle!” until her granddaughters made her switch to “Go Dawgs!” Pat’s family will miss her wit, her hugs, her Thanksgiving feast, her bargain-hunting, her laugh, and her never-greying hair.

Her grandchildren were her favorite pastime, and she took great pride in hosting generous summers at “Camp NanaPop.” Nana made sure to attend every graduation, preschool included. An endless supply of piano, dance, theatre, and impromptu playroom operas kept her travelling from Birmingham to Atlanta as often as her granddaughters could perform.

Pat was adored by all who met her. Known for her “sassy” sayings, she could always make the room laugh and feel at ease. Her friendships were particularly important to her, and she was always mentioning her close friends from throughout her life. From high school besties to ladies’ church groups, from water aerobics to thrifting clubs on Facebook, she made sure to keep in touch. As her friends summed it up “all the sassy things you said that made everybody laugh will always be remembered,” “We love you and your fun outlook on everything.”

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 28 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens Chapel, 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244 with Memorial Service in the Chapel at 2:00 and burial to follow.