Elizabeth “Libba” Kornegay Pate, 92, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2022, surrounded by her family. Libba was born on February 21, 1930, to parents Leroy Kelly and Elizabeth Kornegay, in Goldsboro.
Libba attended St. Mary’s College and graduated from the University of North Carolina, where she became a Tarheel fan forevermore. After finishing a master’s degree in Education at Columbia University, she moved to Fayetteville, married James Spears, and had her only daughter, Mary “Mimi” Spears.
Libba often shared fond memories of teaching in Germany and touring Europe with her daughter while her husband worked there. Upon returning stateside, she continued to teach first grade, later becoming a school psychologist at Fayetteville Academy and remarrying John Pate.
In her sixties, Libba pursued a second act as a realtor most recently at Coldwell Bank Advantage, a career that she enjoyed almost as much as teaching. She also loved her dogs, including her most recent fur baby, Whimsey; gardening (both in her yard and on the grounds of her church); and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where she was a long-standing member.
She is survived by her daughter, Mimi Spears of Fayetteville, sister, Dr. Martha (Kornegay) Sharpless of Greensboro, nieces, nephews, and their families.
A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1601 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC on Saturday, July 9. Details can be found on the church website.
Memorial donations may be sent to Cape Fear Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville, Lineberger Cancer Center, UNC – Chapel Hill, or The Community Foundation of Fayetteville, Elizabeth Kornegay Spears Pate fund, in lieu of flowers.
Online condolences may be left at http://www.jerniganwarren.com
Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301
