Patricia "Pat" Hales

Sunday, February 19, 1950 - Wednesday, July 12, 2023

After a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia, Patricia “Pat” Hales passed, surrounded by her family, in her home in Hartford, Alabama July 12, 2023. 

Visitation will be held at the Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb, Alabama on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Funeral services will be held for Pat on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Hartford Methodist Church with Reverend Dric Williford and Chaplain Jaden Schank presiding. Interment will follow in the Hartford City Cemetery. 

Pat was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 19, 1950 to Betty Marie Smith and Marion Jackson Freeman.  She was later adopted by James Wray Franklin, Sr. Pat graduated Geneva County High School in 1968.  Furthermore, she achieved her B.S., M.S., and Ed.S. degrees from Troy University.   She served in education for Dothan City Schools for 30 years, retiring as Principal of Hidden Lake Elementary School.  She was a true teacher at heart and was especially fond of her time as a Talent Pool teacher, working to challenge students. Pat was known for her love of the piano. She played for Hartford Methodist Church for over 20 years and taught piano lessons for many years as well. She was often sought after for her keen eye with interior decorating and enjoyed home improvement projects. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Wray, Sr. and Betty Marie Franklin, and Marion Jackson Freeman, her grandparents Sterling and Clyda Maye Smith, and Pete and Loretta Couch. 

She is survived by her husband of over 55 years, William Kenneth Hales, sons Anthony Wray (Alicia) Hales of Slocomb and Aaron Geoffrey  (Shan) Hales of Hartford, and grandchildren William Aaron Hales, Zane Wilson Hales, and Garris Louann Hales.  Also, among her siblings, she is survived by her sister Loretta Maye (Darrell) Terry, her brothers James Wray, Jr. (Phyllis) Franklin, and Richard Sterling (Claudia) Franklin.  Additionally, she is survived by several nephews and nieces.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

The family is especially thankful to Rylee and Shelby of Gentiva Hospice. Additionally, a very special thanks to Gwen Majors of Hartford for her compassion and care. 

Pallbearers include Zane Hales, Will Hales, Wade Sorrells, Billy Ferguson, David Alberson, Jackson Ingram, Trevor Ferguson, and Jody Childs.