Princeton – Patricia Cates Pierce, age 82, passed away Friday September 19, 2025 at Goldsboro Assisted Living Center. She was born in Johnston County on May 3, 1943 to the late Lewis Cates and Gladys Adell Eason Cates. In addition to her father and mother she is also preceded in death by sons, Billy R. Poole, James R. "Runt" Poole; brothers, Tony Cates, Bobby Jones, Jesse Jones, Waylon Jones; sisters, Diane Peterson and Mildred Riley.

The family will receive visitors at Parrish Funeral Home on Tuesday September 23, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A graveside service will be held in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield at 11:00 AM on Wednesday September 24, 2025.

Patricia is survived by her son, Jeffery L. Poole (Beth Trogdon); daughters, Nicole A. Edwards (Jack Edwards), Laura A. Young (Bobby Braswell); brother, Bucky Cates (Barbara Narron); sister, Clara "Jean" Bost; grandchildren, Louis Porcelli (Heather Peedin), Chase Lewis (Caroline Lewis), Tyler Lewis, Hannah Poole, Will Edwards, Gracie Edwards; great grandchildren, Haven Lewis, Cali Lewis, Addie Porcelli, Colton Lewis, Sarah Lewis, Mason Lewis and Delia V. Amerson.