On Friday, June 5, 2026, Gates County lost beloved librarian, “Miss” Pat, 84. Throughout her life, she took great delight in discovering and supporting the talent and beauty of everyone she encountered. She leaves a legacy of service to her community, dedication to cultivating a love of reading in generations of library patrons and former students, deep spiritual faith, and a life enriched by the countless people she loved and who loved her in return.

Patricia Louise Brown Familar was born December 4, 1941, to James Hardy and Lois Riley Brown of Hobbsville, NC. A 1960 alumn of Gatesville High School, after graduating from East Carolina College in 1963, she joined the Peace Corps and served two years as a teacher in the Philippines. She then traveled internationally before returning to North Carolina to teach third grade at Central School in Elizabeth City.

Pat later returned to the Philippines to marry fellow teacher, Magligtas (Magling) V. Familar. The couple earned master's degrees at Ball State University in Muncie, IN; Pat received her Master’s in Library Science. They then returned to the Philippines and taught at Silliman University. After the birth of their eldest child, Pat and her family relocated back to Gates County.

Pat taught for two years at Buckland Primary School. After she stopped teaching, she volunteered in Gates County schools, telling stories and singing songs with children, a joy she continued after becoming Branch Manager of the Gates County Public Library in September 1983.

For nearly 43 years, “Miss” Pat served the library through three relocations and tremendous technological changes of the past four decades. She embraced new ways of connecting people with information ensuring all Gates County residents could access books, music, movies, other media, the internet, and education, regardless of their circumstances. One of her greatest legacies was her Summer Reading Program, where she read thousands of books and hugged thousands of children, letting each child “click the clicker.” #IYKYK

In September 2023, Pat was honored by the Gates County Board of Commissioners for 40 years of dedication to the library and community. On October 19, 2023, she was recognized by the state of North Carolina when she won the William Roberts Award for Distinguished Library Service.

An active and devoted member of Zion United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday School and was a member of the UMW. Pat is survived by her husband, Magling; daughters Armina (Sarah), LoisMarie (John), Julie (Chad), and Kristy (John); five wonderful grandchildren; sisters Nancy and Joy (Bob); brother J. Hardy (Becky); and numerous nieces and nephews.

An open house style Celebration of Life will be held at Gates County Public Library (14 Cypress Creek Dr, Gatesville, NC) on Friday, June 12, between 4:00–8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 13, at 11:00 am at Zion United Methodist Church (1642 NC 37 S, Hobbsville, NC). In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Gates County Public Library, Gates County Rescue Squad, or Zion United Methodist Church.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, NC is assisting the Familar family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com