Patricia Vann Knutson

Patricia Vann Knutson passed peacefully at her daughter’s home in Point Harbor, NC on Monday, May 4, 2026. She is survived by her daughter, Adrienne Knutson and grandson, Devin Doyle. Pat was born in Hertford County, N. C. September 29,1940.  The family moved to Portsmouth, VA, when Pat was two months old, for her father to join the WWII- workforce at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, in Portsmouth, VA.  Pat graduated from Churchland High School. Following High school, she lived and worked in Delaware and the Philadelphia area in a division of the Dupont Corp.

Later she returned to Portsmouth and worked for WAVY-TV.  After the birth of her daughter, Pat began her most cherished career, as Church Secretary, for over 25 years, at Simonsdale Presbyterian Church, of which she had been a life member.  Her years at “church” highlighted her love of God and people, she dedicated herself to keeping the church running on schedule and everyone where they were supposed to be and no one or thing was overlooked.  Words cannot express the love she felt for Simondale and the people there.  Later, Pat worked for the Portsmouth Redevelopment & Housing Authority for several years.  In addition, she held a Virginia Real Estate license  and sold residential property for many years.

Pat was predeceased by her parents Alfred Lee and Virginia Davis Vann; a sister, Nancy Vann Cobb; a brother, Randall Lee Vann, and a very special friend and the love of her life “Mr. Ed” Walter.  In addition to her daughter Adrienne and grandson Devin- she is survived by her brother Calvin Lee Vann; two sisters, Geraldine “Gerry” Vann Webb, and Nita Vann Fink and countless nieces and nephews in the Outer Banks, Grandy, Edenton and South Mills, NC, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Zuni, Franklin and Yorktown, VA, and Florida and St. Thomas – she held each one very near and dear to her heart.

It would be hard to sum up Pat’s life, you could say she lived her life as a Godly woman, a loving mother, super grandmother and always put family first.  She gave her all to her daughter and grandson. You would also have to say she was an artist, a poet, quick witted, upbeat, optimistic, great listener while being a conversationist, a great dancer, loved reading, a classic dresser and a friend for life because she truly cared about people. She was all this and beautiful, not only to look at but inside as well. She was a one and only “Aunt Pat”.

The family will host a private memorial service in Nags Head, NC.  Please share expressions of sympathy with Pat’s family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com .  Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.