Patsy Benfield Alexander, 67, of Marion died Saturday, April 9, 2005, at McDowell Hospital after a short period of declining health.

She was born Feb. 16, 1938, in Johnson City, Tenn., to the late Roosevelt Benfield and Blanch Benfield Rummage. She was raised in the Baptist faith.

A breast cancer survivor from 1976, she recently battled a different form of cancer and had won. Pat gave hope to many others. She was a true fighter and courageous in all regards. She enjoyed the yearly Relay for Life Walk.

She was a long time employee of Carolina Tire, Cross Cotton Mill, Marion Machine and most recently was a real estate broker with Cochran Realty, which she greatly enjoyed. She was an avid antique collector, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her beloved sons.

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Fred C. Alexander; sons, Byron F. Alexander and wife, Julie, Bruce A. Alexander and wife, Jeanette, and Berth H. Alexander and wife, Jan; sisters, Mary Bennett of Jonesboro, Tenn., Jean Adams of Greeneville, Tenn., and Jean Carter of Johnson City; grandchildren, Natalie and Katie Alexander and Cory and Colby Alexander; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives in Tennessee.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Burke Memorial Park with the Rev. Dr. Joe Yelton officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton.

Memorials in Mrs. Alexander memory may be made to the Hospice Building Fund, 218 Logan St., Marion NC 28752.