Macel Pate Falwell

Macel Pate Falwell, 82, of Lynchburg passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 15, after a long illness. Born October 4, 1933, she was the wife of 49 years of the late Rev. Jerry L. Falwell, Sr., who passed away in 2007. Mrs. Falwell was the daughter of the late Samuel Murin Pate and Lucile Donald Pate of Lynchburg. Mrs. Falwell was well known in the Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University family as a woman of poise and grace. Never desiring the spotlight, she faithfully and quietly stood by her husband for many years as both institutions were founded and built but she was always most comfortable in her role as a pastor's wife. She was his greatest cheerleader, confidant, advisor and friend during their ministry together. Mrs. Falwell had a great love for music and art and spent many years sharing her talents with the world. In her early years, she focused on producing beautiful paintings that still hang on the walls of her home. She also played piano for Thomas Road Baptist Church for nearly fifty years and loved being part of leading thousands in worship in this way. Mrs. Falwell graduated from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg and, later in life, graduated from Liberty University. She served on the boards of several local organizations including the Fort Early Corporation, the Vista Suburban Women’s Club, the Liberty Godparent Home and Liberty Christian Academy. She loved being able to help others through these opportunities and never missed the chance to bless others in big and small ways. In her quiet way, she did all she could to ensure those around her were taken care of and provided for, no matter how great the need. Mrs. Falwell is survived by her three children, Jerry L. Falwell, Jr. of Goode and wife Becki; Jeannie Falwell Rivers of Richmond and husband Al; and the Rev. Jonathan P. Falwell, Sr., of Forest and wife Shari; her grandchildren, Jerry (Trey) Falwell III and wife Sarah, Wesley Falwell and wife Laura, Ashley Rivers, Jonathan Falwell, Jr., Paul Savas, Jr., Jessica Falwell, Natalie Falwell, Nicholas Falwell, and Caroline Falwell; her sister, Laura Jean Ferris and her husband Eugene; sister-in-law Carole Pate; brother-in-law Gene Falwell and wife Joann. She was preceded in death by one brother, Sam K. Pate, Sr., and one sister, Mary Ann Pate. She has many nieces and nephews and other family that she loved so much. She is also survived by special friend, Delia Jones, who stood by her side for so many years. The family would like to thank Delia Jones, Ronda Carroll, Carrie Martin, Leo and Patsy Cawthorne and the wonderful team at Generation Solutions for their friendship and tireless devotion to Mrs. Falwell during her illness. They would also like to thank the Thomas Road Baptist Church, Liberty University, Liberty Christian Academy, and Liberty Godparent Home families for their continued prayers for Mrs. Falwell during these difficult years. Funeral services for Mrs. Falwell will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 1:00pm at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The family will receive guests on Monday night, October 26, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at Thomas Road Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Liberty Godparent Foundation of Lynchburg, which held a special place in her heart.