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Kerry King Obituary
She came into the world on June 28, 1954, the daughter of former Burlington mayor Kenneth Lynn Ketchum and Gloria Joosten Ketchum, both deceased.
A graduate of UNCG and an employee of ABSS schools, her love was education and her home was at Eastern Alamance. For over 20 years, whether it was teaching in B2, or A6, her great joy came from impacting the lives of students who needed someone to stand in their corner and whisper, "you can do this" when others told them otherwise. Operation Eaglehook, a service learning literary program, was the first of its kind in Alamance County. It was made possible with her determination and the steadfast belief of Marie Alston that a little love goes a long ways and can impact generations.
She was the Lorelai Gilmore to her daughter's Rory and the two had the inseparable bond only a single parent/only child team can have. The support she had for her students is second only to the love, support and devotion she showed as a mom. Her daughter wishes to express her condolences to everyone who didn't have a mom as staggeringly stupendous as hers. Really, you missed out.
She is survived by a daughter, Kyle Lauren King of Burlington, Warren Jennings Berry, her significant other of 10 years, one slightly brain-addled Chocolate Lab, Hershey, countless brilliant friends and two Jeep Grand Cherokees that will most likely survive the nuclear holocaust along with cockroaches and Keith Richards.
A celebration of a life well-lived and hefting a defiant middle finger to a cancer that insists on trying to steal joy will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, at Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington. A colorful dress code would be appreciated as black was not her color.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the NC Lab Rescue http://labrescuenc.org or the Katie Moore Foundation for families impacted by rare cancers http://www.katiemoore.org
You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kerry King
Tabitha Wheeley
June 20, 2016
MS. King was the epitome of a wonderful teacher. She will truly be missed. This was written wonderfully well and very befitting, she would have been proud! As much as she is missed she is probably looking down and laughing! Keeping her family in my thoughts.
August 30, 2015
See her in paradise, Psalms37:29
August 30, 2015
Hope
Chanel B
February 26, 2015
i am so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathies go out to your family during this difficult time.i hope the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring you some comfort knowing that there is a future for our loved ones that we have lost in death we will be able to see again
-C.B
SUE
September 27, 2014
KERRY SOUNDS LIKE A WONDERFUL AND FUNNY PERSON. LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING HER OVER THE RAINBOW.
Shirley U.
September 9, 2014
Thank you. This is one of the people I want to see after I see Jesus
CC (Psalms 23)
August 30, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Melody Berry Crawford
July 4, 2014
May your light burn forever in the lives of those you touched.
James Davis
June 21, 2014
I'm just another stranger who read her obit on a FB share...but I'm sorry for all of us for our loss. From her love of labs to her passing during late nite TV programming, this was a snazzy tribute for someone who sounds like a snazzy lady. Rest in peace - and fun!
Tillie O'Kelley
June 21, 2014
I did not know this lady, but I wish I had. I, too, heft a middle finger at cancer every day. She sounds like someone who lived 27 hours of every single day and dared anyone to take one second from her. Thank you for the condolences to all of us whose mother was not nearly as stupendous...and thank you, Kyle, for giving me a nudge to become a bit more stupendous so my children will write my obit like this one.
Kim Horner
June 21, 2014
You will truly be missed. You made a big difference in a lot of students lives at EA from 1990-1993. You were always there to listen not to judge and could turn any bad day into a great day. RIP
Debbie Ross
June 20, 2014
Awesome , I did not know your Mom but I sure wish that I had , Being a 4 time cancer survivor myself the obituary is written just as I would like mine !! Love & Prayers to you and your family !!
paul
June 20, 2014
I never met this woman but one day I hope too.......read her obit on FB......sounds like she was the kind of person that touched everyone she encountered in life......those that knew her are no doubt ,better people because of her
Reflect upon greatness, as we do with rainbows! Peace & Love!
Ruby Withrow
June 20, 2014
I never knew what it was like to say "Mom". Thank you for believing in those when others did not. Your legacy will live on. Rock on in heaven, Ms.King!
Sharon Driver
June 20, 2014
You will be missed. Kyle you had a great mom and if you need anything all you have to do is ask myself or one of the other "herd" momma's.
Momma Driver
June 20, 2014
My condolences on losing such a wonderful woman; my congratulations on having had her in your life! My new goal for the rest of my life is to live so joyfully that I deserve a send off like this.
June 20, 2014
What a wonderful tribute to someone I never knew, unfortunately for me. I've taken the liberty of adding her obit to my collection, http://ninalentinislifewithoutend.blogspot.com/, where she is among great company. Condolences to her family and friends.
Benita Macon
June 20, 2014
I think we all missed out if we didn't know her!
June 20, 2014
Condolences to all
Derek Farmer
June 20, 2014
RIP Ms. King, you was a great teacher and put up with alot lol
Derek Farmer
June 20, 2014
You will be missed by everyone Ms. King, you was a great teacher and put up with alot lol
stephanie Rodgers
June 20, 2014
Mama bear you were truly the one that made the BIGGEST impact in my life and I WILL never forget you!!! FLY HIGH YOU HAVE YOUR ANGEL WINGS NOW no more bring you angel now you live with them I love you!!!
June 20, 2014
I've never met this lady, but after reading this obituary I realize she is someone I would have enjoyed knowing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May she rest in peace and enjoy the serenity of God's love.
Kate Hodgdon
June 20, 2014
Kerry, You made Eastern worth the drive. From day one, I knew you would be my sanity and support. God rest you, Momma Bear!
Jeremy Martin
June 19, 2014
Just an absolutely wonderful person! Kerry could give you an earful and a hug all in the same conversation. I was blessed to have known and taught with you!
Michael Adams
June 19, 2014
I'm sorry for all the hell I raised, but you knew that already. Rest in peace. And I will never forget you,as you were uundoubtedly my favorite teacher. Thanks for all that you have done
T Walker
June 19, 2014
Heaven has gained an angel!! I can simply remember that smile and her kind touch would often remind me to stay on track! She was an asset God bless the king family she will be missed.
June 19, 2014
I remember being in my office at EHS and hearing someone laughing really loud. I thought the circus had come to town. It was you Kerry. We were really good friends and I will cherish all the memories we had over the years. I'll miss you terribly my friend. Say hello to Jackie for me.
Lynn Perkins
Vicki Anderson
June 19, 2014
Kerry, it's SO hard to believe you're gone, and you will be GREATLY missed! Kyle will always be like a daughter to me & she knows I'm here if she needs me! SO many wonderful memories of our son & your daughter meeting & becoming instant friends in preschool! SO thankful they did! Love & will miss you! Vicki
Brandy Harvey
June 18, 2014
I loved her so much she helped me all through my EHS days from 1999 to 2003. She was an awesome woman and will be missed. To her family I'm praying for you all.
Becky Smith
June 18, 2014
Such a loss for her family, her students, and community. Kerry frequently taught High School summer school and did so the summer that I was the program principal. She engaged those students and encouraged them to do their best and stay the course to graduation. Kerry was a caring and inspiring teacher and nurturer. Prayers for the family and friends for your loss.
June 18, 2014
I loved Kerry, the first time I met her, as a sub for her at EHS. We shared a desire to assure those who were down on themselves, that they could overcome anything, and DO anything, if they wanted to. Mostly, that we believed in them. Her classroom, opened so many doors for me. We both had big hearts, for the ones, seemingly tossed aside. While subbing one day, an adult came to class with one of her students. I was informed, this was part of the Willie M. program. This adult went to every class with this student, to help keep him steered in the right direction. After much prayer, God lead me to Sellars Gun to work with the Willie M. program. Kerry wasn't so glad to see me leave, because I had a real connection with her students. She understood and wished me the best in my new journey. I still have letters from some of her students, that are dear treasures to me, in my walk through this place, we call earth. She was a lovely lady, and I know she will be missed bunches. I am eternally grateful to GOD, for allowing our paths to cross! So very sorry for your loss. I know heaven is a bit sweeter! In His Love, Allene Fonville
Cindy Hatchel
June 18, 2014
What a grand personality. Almost as big as her heart. Rest in peace.
Teresa Hood
June 18, 2014
Kerry wore many hats while she was at EHS. She did ISS. Next she taught Exceptional Children and was that department chair for several years. Then she became an English teacher. My fondest memories were when she started out at EHS as a substitute teacher and was my sub when our Sylvia was born. Sylvia will be 25 this December. Kerry and I had many laughs when we thought back to that time and the escapades that my students led her through that December and January before I returned to the classroom. The Hoods send their thoughts and prayers to you at this time.
Bailey Allison
June 18, 2014
I am so sad to hear that you are gone. You were one of the first friends I made as a new teacher at Eastern Alamance, and I will always have great memories of you. Rest in peace, Mama Bear.
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Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.2205 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215
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