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.
Visitation
Service
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Saturday 6/18, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Saturday 6/18, 11:00 am - 11:30 am
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.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
R.I.P. Ms Jackie my favorite client. I will truly miss you. To the family I would like to say thank you for allowing me to care for your love one. Your favorite night time nurse aide Tamekia Farmer Harris…….
A prayerful thank you to Jackie Colbert for all she did to advocate for and strengthen the education and wellbeing of the students and families of NC and also for my career alongside her. She made a true positive difference in this world. Sincerest condolences with her family.
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I was Jackie’s day time caregiver. Jackie was so sweet and could always bring a smile to my face. I love Jackie with all of my heart. She was my inspiration to go back to school. I worked with Jackie almost a year. Jackie you may be gone but you will always have a special place in my heart. You will never be forgotten… love you… Rest in peace. You fought hard all the way to the end.
I was so saddened to hear this news. Not only was Jackie a former coworker she was my friend. Thoughts and prayers for her family during this difficult time.
A friend and a Scholar!
In memory of Jacqueline Colbert, Janis Dellinger-Holton lit a candle
In memory of Jacqueline Colbert, John & Pat Toler lit a candle
What a devoted and admired educator who loved the children and supported staff members to fulfill their obligations. Thank you, Jackie!
In memory of Jacqueline Colbert, Christie Lynch Ebert lit a candle
My deepest condolences to the family. I am heartbroken to hear of my beautiful and kind former boss’s demise. There is an empty plate at the table in my life🙏🥰😪
In memory of Jacqueline Jackie Gray Colbert, Karen G Dean lit a candle
Jackie was a true educator. Her love for children was shared with each life she touched. The State Assistance Team members could depend on her for leadership and a beautiful smile. She was always positive and expected those around her to be the same.
I think Miss Jackie was the first person that ever made me double-over with laughter at a very young age. She touched the soul of everyone she ever met with her wicked sense of humor, her ability of being able to deliver the best gag gifts in history, her love of children, her devotion to education and her ability to console a broken heart. Miss Jackie was a true force of nature. I know she was loved and will be missed by many. Condolences to her family and all that ever had the privilege of knowing her.
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our prayers.
Jackie always had kind words and was a genuine and caring person. Her friendship with us through the years and especially with my mother-in-law Donna brought us all joy. She was one of a kind and we will miss her very much.
My deepest condolences to the family. I will MISS my former boss, but will always cherish our friendship and the encouraging words she ALWAYS shared with me.🙏🥰😢
We will all miss you.
A devoted educator and friend of all children!
Ms. Colbert was an amazing counselor to us in high school. Later we reconnected with her when she and Deanna were colleagues at NC DPI. In recent years, she was a caring, enthusiastic, and thoughtful friend via Facebook, always asking about us and our families and celebrating our milestones. She leaves us all better and blessed for having known her.
In memory of Jacqueline Jackie Gray Colbert, Sherri Harrell Lewis lit a candle
I worked with Jackie at SWE and she was the epitome of what an educator should be. Many students are what they are today because of her. Prayers for her family. Faye Gulley
Miss Jackie was a key figure in my early life and education because she encouraged me (the first in my family to go to college) to lift my sights higher than I would otherwise have done. I remember the exact spot where I was standing at SouthWest Edgecombe when she told me I should apply to Duke (where I ultimately earned my bachelor’s degree) because I was so shocked and delighted that she thought I could get into that university. Heaven only knows how many other people she pushed in the right direction, forever changing their courses in life. I am so glad that we reconnected several years ago on Facebook and then in person when I moved back to NC. Eternal rest grant unto thy servant Jacqueline, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace, through the tender mercies of God.
I am so sorry for a too early loss of our most cheerful Jackie. No matter how tough and rough it was at DPI Jackie was smiling. I only saw kindness coming from Jackie and I know she will be missed by so many that loved and appreciated her. I’m sending God’s Blessings to her family and friends.
Condolences and prayers to Billy C, his sister, and the rest of the Colbert family.
Sending sincere condolences to the family of my dear friend Jackie. She will be deeply missed.