Roxanna Gentry Pahl, 97, of Raleigh died at home, Tuesday, March 11, 2014. surrounded by her loving family. Roxanna was the daughter of James Larkin Gentry and Rosa Belle Buchanan. She was born in Person County, N.C. on May 23, 1916. The youngest of nine, Roxanna was surrounded and nurtured by her brothers and sisters, growing up together on the family farm in the community of Allensville. As a young adult, she pursued her education at Meredith College in Raleigh and with interest in the nursing profession, graduated in 1941 from Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Winston-Salem, NC. Roxanna was commissioned as an officer in The United States Army Nurse Corps. As an Army officer and nurse, she met and married the love of her life, William A. (Bill) Pahl, while he was training as a Lieutenant with the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Roxanna and Bill were happily married until his death in 1990.
As a loving mother, she followed the lives and careers of her children, and remained active in the community as the local and regional President of Quota International of Raleigh, an organization committed to the success and well being of women in business. Roxanna is survived by her children, William A. Pahl, Jr. and wife Martha S. Pahl, J. Larkin Pahl and wife, Alice G. Pahl, Dianne P. Laird and Rose Marie Pahl, all of Raleigh, ten grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Bill and Roxanna were long-time members of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, in Raleigh. Roxanna maintained an active life style in the community and in the family business, William A. Pahl Co., Inc. She was a devoted reader of books and novels and cherished each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always thought of others first and to the end lived her life with grace and compassion. Her passing was in keeping with her life; no fanfare, peaceful and with dignity. The family expresses its gratitude to its many life-long friends and to all the staff of Hospice of Wake County.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Michael's Episcopal Church Discretionary Fund, Temple Beth Or, Raleigh or to Hospice of Wake County.
Visitation with the family will be observed immediately following services at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608 at 2:00 PM, Monday, March 17th. A private burial will take place after the visitation at Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh.
Arrangements under the direction of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home St Mary's Street, Raleigh, North Carolina.
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May 25, 2014
K Garrard
I just found out about Ms Pahl's passing. I have been lifelong friends with her daughter Candy Pahl. I met her Mom a couple of times where she always made me feel welcome, even though I was not near her social level! I actually talked on the phone with Ms Pahl a few years back when I was trying to reconnect with Candy. I remember her as a nice lady whose last conversation with me only a few years ago on the phone, was very pleasant. Having been in this situation myself, like many others, I wanted to express my sadness at the passing of a real nice lady, who left a good impression with me.
March 31, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family. It is a blessing Roxanna lived a long life because there are many people who may never see her age. May Almighty God who provide comfort to us (2 Cor 1:3) be with you during this difficult time of your life.
March 18, 2014
Rick McElroy
Dear Larkin, Alice, and the entire family: This is to acknowledge her long life and her presence in yours. May peace be with her and you. It's good to have this opportunity to think of you and to offer my very best wishes as you move ahead. Rick McElroy
March 17, 2014
I was privileged to escort Roxie on her Flight of Honor to Washington, DC where she participated in placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetary on behalf of Triangle Flight of Honor. I will never forget what a trooper she was that day, charming everyone who saw her with her bright eyes and smile. I am very honored to be counted among her friends! Marlene and I extend our deepest sympathy to Roxie's family and friends.
Ed & Marlene Kearney
Raleigh, NC
March 17, 2014
Lynda Atkins
It was my pleasure to have known Roxanna. She was indeed a "woman of strength" as mentioned at her service today.
I appreciate the opportunity I had in sharing communion with her over the past few years and always looked forward to seeing her. She was such an example of "aging with dignity." My condolences to her loving family.
March 17, 2014
I'm a friend of Anna's and she's told me a few stories about the Pahl home on Pleasant Pines Drive, a few houses down from my home. All of my older neighbors speak fondly of Roxanna and the Pahl family and we send our condolences. Barbara Taylor
March 14, 2014
Mary Haught
Sending our sympathy, thoughts and prayers for all the family. May God comfort you with His peace.
With Love,
Les and Mary Jo Haught
March 13, 2014
Jessie Honeycutt
March 13, 2014
Jessie Honeycutt
I would like to express my sympathy to the family of Mrs. Pahl. As the Mother of my best friend Dianne Pahl Laird, I knew this fine lady for almost sixty years. I spent many wonderful times with her family and remember well the grace and kindness of this wonderful lady. She was always a lady and I will always treasure the memories I had of her while I was young and as we grew up. At times we did not see each other for a while, but when we would meet again it was always with open arms. I was blessed to have known her as a friend.
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