Patricia Joan Owen Hedrick, age 94 of Raleigh died on May 4, 2026. Pat was born in Thomasville, NC on September 8, 1931, to William Rose and Emma Clapp Owen.

She is survived by her four children and their families: Jeff Hedrick and wife Peggy of Banner Elk, Marty McCarthy and husband Frank of Edenton, Joanna Hedrick and husband Danny of Siler City, and John Hedrick and wife Tammy of Raleigh and eight grandchildren: Rachael, Jamie, Jason, Emma, Abby, Jacquelyn, Olivia, and Makenzie.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert A. (“Fred”) Hedrick, sisters Lib McAdams, Iris Harrison, Judy Hayes, Dot Harris and brothers Jimmy Owen and Bill Owen, Sr.

Pat graduated from the Women’s College of UNC in Greensboro with a degree in social services. That led to a job as a case worker in the Iredell County Department of Social Services and a fateful appearance in the Iredell County Recorder’s Court in Statesville, subpoenaed by Prosecutor Fred Hedrick. She was called to testify in a child custody case, but the real reason was for Fred to meet his future wife.

Pat and Fred’s initial home was Statesville, NC until 1969 when Fred was appointed to the NC Court of Appeals. The family moved to Raleigh at that time. Pat devoted her time to her family and caring for others. She worked for several years at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church at the Mother’s Day Out program and later as an assistant teacher in the church preschool. Her hobbies included cooking, reading and gardening. She and Fred frequently vacationed at their beach cottage on Oak Island.

Most importantly, Pat was a devoted wife to her husband Fred, a wonderful mother to her four children and an adoring grandmother of her 8 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to

American Brain Foundation

PO Box 176

Wheaton, IL 60187

https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/ 

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Hedrick family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com