Pansy Mae Ferrell Latta Dodson

Pansy Mae Ferrell Latta Dodson passed away on May 7, 2025 in Orange County.

She was born July 18, 1922 to John Green Ferrell and to Lelia Mangum Ferrell. She was predeceased in death by her first husband, H. Garland Latta, and her recent husband, Vincent T. Dodson, her parents, sisters Violet Chappell, Madeline Sparrow, Frances Reaves, and brother, John R. Ferrell. She is survived by her Daughter, Myrtle Frances Slocum and Son-In-Law C. Ken Slocum of Orange County, Grandchildren Alison S. Achenbach and husband Christian of Hoboken, N.J., Chris Slocum and wife Tita of Greensboro, N.C., Daniel Slocum of Montreal, Canada, Great-Grandchildren Angelica Slocum, Charles Slocum, and Thomas Slocum, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Tanya Whitted, a loving CNA who has lived with Pansy and Vincent for over 19 years!

Pansy graduated from Durham High School with the Class of 1941. She attended Fuller Memorial Presbyterian Church (which is presently the Durham Rescue Mission) for 45 years, serving as a Youth Leader, Teacher, and Choir Member. Later she moved to Orange County and became active in New Hope Presbyterian Church. She volunteered for Senior VITA Tax Services of Orange County as Site Co-Coordinator during tax seasons for 15 years. She worked at Liggett and Myers for 38 years retiring as Co-Coordinator of Seniority Control. After the age of 90, she published two books, “Hugs and Blessings From The Sisters”, and “Dear Alison, The Road Long Traveled”; a story of her life. Since 2000, she has written poems of cheer and, with her Sister Madeline’s help, has mailed these to 160 shut-ins and friends each month.

Pansy loved God, family, gardening, nature, and painting. She lived a full life.

In lieu of flowers, Pansy has requested donations to Camp of New Hope, OCIM, Durham Rescue Mission, or your favorite charity.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Walkers Funeral Home at 204 North Churton Street Hillsborough, N.C. Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 4701 NC Highway 86 North, Chapel Hill, N.C.

Refreshments will be served in the New Hope Church Fellowship Hall after interment at the New Hope Church Cemetery.