Patricia Marie Gifford, 78, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, passed away on August 12th, 2025. Patricia was born on June 8th, 1947 in Massillon, Ohio to George and Dana Betza. She grew up in Perry, Ohio, and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University. She married Charles Gifford in 1969.

Patricia was a teacher in Jackson township and Massillon city schools for over 30 years. Patricia will be remembered as an incredibly caring and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, and her love of friends, good books, and writing. She is survived by her spouse Charles Gifford, sons Brian and Scott Gifford, and three grandchildren, Austin Gifford, Zachary Gifford, and Tessa Septer-Gifford.

A memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held on September 19th, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.