Audrey Lee Pate Perry, 99, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Wilson Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Wayne County on February 1, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Louina Gertrude Pate.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husbands, James A. Barbee, Bud Davis, and Melvin Perry; children, Betty Carol Harrell, Shirley Ann Harrell, James A. “Junior” Barbee, Johnny Mack Barbee, and Jeffrey Dwight Barbee.
Audrey is survived by her daughters, Shelby Jean Langston, Frances B. Finch, Kathy B. Nichols (David), and Virginia B. “Jenkie” Barnes (Jeff); grandchildren, Michael Ray Shadding (Deborah), Jason Wayne Shadding (Tammy), Tammy Keen (Chad), Sandra Joyner (Brandon), Robert Barbee (Amy), Hank Howell, Steve Howell, Ashley N. Willis (Danny), Mindy Watson, Billy Barnes (Kelly), Josh Barnes, Jessica Barbee, Richard Barbee, Matthew Barbee, Keith Barbee, Terry Barbee, Debbie and Jamie; numerous great-grandchildren and special friends, Ricky and Kyle.
Audrey was a longtime member of New Jerusalem Free Will Baptist Church in Kenly. She enjoyed dancing and listening to Gospel Music.
Audrey will be remembered for her love of flowers and her excellent cooking skills. Her family loved to sit around her dinner table every Sunday.
A service to celebrate Audrey’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023 in the chapel of Kenly Funeral Service with Rev. Billy Nowell officiating. Interment will follow in the Kenly Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the hour preceding the service at the funeral home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.kenlyfs.com.
