Barbara KAY Wright White (February 12, 1961 - June 18, 2021) showed us all how to live fully despite having cancer for 12 years.

Friday June 18, 2021 she showed us how to die peacefully surrounded by family. Preceded in death by her father, Henry Wright; Kay is survived by her husband Donald Allen White, daughter Kaylin Nicole White, granddaughter Bayleigh Ray Johnston, and daughter Abby Marie White, all from Roanoke Rapids. She is also survived by her mother Roma Wright of Roanoke Rapids, and sisters Donna Lee Wright of Pleasant Garden, Mary Earp and her husband, Wyatt of Roanoke Rapids, and Sonya Ferguson and her husband, Chris of Salisbury, NC.  

Kay will be fondly remembered by many in the Roanoke Rapids area because of her years as a teacher at Clara Hearne and Belmont Schools. Kay shared precious memories with faculty and staff, her Alpha Delta Kappa educator sisters, and of course the nearly 700 young students whose lives she touched.  

She will also be remembered for her active involvement with her First Baptist Church family creating impressive backdrops and settings for performances and pageants. She helped serve many large meals at the church and in the parks and coordinated many youth activities. 

Kay never met a craft she could not master and many are fortunate enough to treasure examples of her creations through the years.  

You would more likely find Kay outside enjoying snow covered mountains or sandy beaches rather than being inside.  

Her wings were ready, but our hearts were not. We will miss her genuine smile and sparkling eyes, her quick wit and ability to find something to enjoy everyday, and her positive gentle peacemaker personality.  


Visitation will be held Monday June 21 from 7-8:30 at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids. Funeral services will be held Tuesday June 22 at 11 am at First Baptist Church, 515 Becker Drive Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Dathan Hall and Rev. Rick Gaskins officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery.