Jacqueline "Jackie" Gray Colbert

ROCKY MOUNT – Jacqueline “Jackie” Gray Colbert, age 71, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at her home in Rocky Mount. Born in Franklin County, NC on September 24, 1950, she was the daughter of the late William Furman Colbert and Doris Gilliam Colbert.

Education was of utmost importance in Jackie’s life. After receiving a Batchelor’s Degree in education from East Carolina University in 1972, she went on to earn Master’s Degrees in Counselor Education, as well as School Administration. Jackie’s career included a supervisory position of the State Assistance Team and Reading First. She retired in 2010 after 23 years of service as Director of the Elementary Education Division for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Jackie was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2010 by Governor Beverly Perdue for her outstanding achievements in education. Jackie was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying Duke basketball, as well as all sports involving her East Carolina Pirates. She loved to shop, travel, read and couldn’t wait for Christmas, her favorite holiday. Jackie spent many happy hours listening to beach music and watching Andy Griffith.

Jackie is survived by her sister, Patricia Colbert Dozier; her brother, William “Billy” Furman Colbert, Jr., both of Rocky Mount; her Aunt Maxine of Louisburg and her Aunt Lucy of Franklinton; and many special cousins.

A Graveside Service with burial of cremains to celebrate Jackie’s life will be held on Saturday June 18, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Rev. Steve Robertson officiating. Visitors are welcome this week at Jackie’s home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jackie’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.