Patsy Jo Ward Karkosky

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Patsy Jo Ward Karkosky, lovingly known as Pat, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, surrounded with love at her family's home in Greer, South Carolina. Born and raised in Sylva, Pat was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, admired for her unwavering strength, grace, and the warmth she extended to all.

Pat devoted much of her life to her family, known fondly as "the most beautiful woman in the room" by her daughters, and was revered for her endless pursuit of perfection. Her role as a strong, supportive mother and a loving Nana defined her life, and her legacy will endure through the family she nurtured with boundless love.

A beloved member of her community, Pat spent over thirty years in the real estate industry, where her tenacity and dedication won her many friends and accolades. After retiring, she worked at Harrah's Casino in Cherokee, NC, where she continued to impact lives with her kindness and work ethic.

Pat is survived by her beloved husband, Larry Karkosky, and her large, loving family: her daughters, Donna Honeycutt (partner Lonny Ranly) of Houston, TX, Barbara Honeycutt Galvao (husband Lou Galvao) of Greenville, SC, Sherry Karkosky (partner Billy Wike) of Cary, NC; and her son David McDuffie (wife Donna McDuffie) of Charlotte, NC.

Her cherished grandchildren, Bridgett Carroll, Terri Lee (husband Bubba Lee), Patrick Honeycutt (wife Mandy Honeycutt), Ricky Hargrove (wife Jaimie Hargrove), Cory Mitchell (wife Atosha Mitchell), Ryan Hargrove, Bo Levi Mitchell (wife Madison Michell), Karli Cooksey (husband James Cooksey), Scooter Mitchell, Kate McDuffie, and Abby McDuffie; and her adored great-grandchildren, Zayne Johnson, Jacelynn Schmidt, Kenleigh Schmidt, Jhett Mitchell, Dash Mitchell, Kruiz Mitchell, Addison Lee, Elle Mitchell, Lakelyn Mitchell, Kannon Hargrove, Kash Hargrove, and Kollyns Hargrove, will carry forward her spirit.

Pat is also mourned by her niece and very special friend Jo Wolfer (partner Ken Hopper) of Franklin, NC; Paula and Mark Zeimer of Big Pine Key, FL; Angela and Darcy Ward; and numerous special cousins and relatives throughout North Carolina.

Preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Carrie Ward, and her late siblings Glen Ward Jr. (Violet), Darnell Ward (Renate), Jim Ward (Frankie), Polly Ward Wolfer (Cliff), Edward Ward (Cecilia), Nell Ward Warren, and infant sister Irma Sue Ward, Pat was the last surviving daughter of seven children. She is also predeceased by her great-granddaughters, Konlee Laine Hargrove and Brooklynn Leigh Schmidt.

A graveside funeral service, arranged by Appalachian Funeral Services, will honor Pat's abundant life and her dedication to her family and community. Please join the family at Old Field Cemetery in Sylva, North Carolina at 2pm on Sunday, June 8, 2025 to help honor her memory.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for the support and love from friends and relatives during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Old Field Cemetery fund.

Her memory will forever be a guiding light to those she leaves behind.