Macel pate biography graphic organizer

The legacy ofMacel Falwell

Macel Pate Falwell — the wife of Liberty University’s founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell — will always be remembered as a mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, as well as an author and an artist. She passed away on Oct. 15, 2015, at the age of 82 after a long illness.

Macel was born Oct. 4, 1933, to the late Samuel and Lucile Pate. She grew up in Lynchburg, Va., and she wed Jerry Falwell Sr. in 1958.

Macel is remembered as a woman of poise and grace who quietly blessed those around her.

She was a gifted artist, both in music and in art, painting landscapes, nature stills, architectural drawings, and portraits. A collection of her works — from high school to her later years — was displayed at Liberty’s art gallery in 2008. On Sundays, she played piano during the worship services at Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Macel and Dr. Falwell were opposites — his charismatic personality and vision attracted the national spotlight and helped buil