Carol Ann Pinnick Gatchel
New Bern – Carol Ann Pinnick Gatchel, 72, died at home in New Bern on Sunday, February 8, 2015, after an extended illness. Carol was born on October 29, 1942, in Columbus, OH. She was the daughter of the late Robert Benjamin Pinnick and Vera Murvine. She graduated from Zanesville High School in 1960, Ohio University in 1963 and Marshall University with a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Carol began one of her multiple careers as a special education teacher in Charleston, WV. Upon the birth of her two sons, her focus became the full time care and education of her beloved children. Carol and her family moved to Lexington, KY in 1975 where she began her 25 year role of daily working with and supporting her husband’s career as a manufacturer’s representative for a woman’s sportswear company. Once her children were out of the home, Carol also served for 10 years as a representative for a line for costume jewelry. Carol and Dick often traveled together on business.
After retiring to New Bern, in 1998, Carol pursued her loves of painting and teaching. She served as a volunteer, substitute teacher and tutor with the Craven County Schools. She painted with watercolors, acrylics, fluid acrylics, ink and collage. Her studies with many local and nationally known artists are reflected in her paintings. Carol also shared with others what had been shared with her by teaching classes on techniques of painting abstracts.
Carol's recent work was comprised of abstracts and representational paintings. Color, design, and composition were always an important part of her artistic expression. She believed creating art was a constant process of discovery and exploration. Her paintings have been shown in many local and regional juried shows. Carol's painting, "Blocking Color", took first place in the Southport, NC, spring 2012 Regional Show.
She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Taberna Ladies Golf Association, Craven Arts Council and Gallery, The Twin Rivers Artist Association, and the Associated Artists of Southport.
While these were her life’s occupations, her life’s love was her family. She is survived by her husband of 52 years Richard Clark Gatchel; sons Brian James Gatchel and wife Elizabeth Boyd Gatchel of New Bern, Blair Robert Gatchel and wife Elizabeth Payne Gatchel of Decatur, GA. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Madelyn Elizabeth Gatchel and James William Gatchel II of New Bern; Benjamin Blair Gatchel and Lilah Elizabeth Gatchel of Decatur. Carol is also survived by her half siblings: Robert C. Pinnick of Newark, OH and Allison Pinnick Friedman of Saint Louis, MO.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in New Bern with Rev. Dr. William Hawkins officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of New Bern Building Fund, 400 New Street, New Bern, NC 28560.
