Gay Hartness Obituary
March 21, 1951 - July 22, 2025
Gay Dunn Hartness, 74, of Greenville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025.
Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to the late Vernon Wilbur Dunn and Alice Jeanne Smith Dunn, Gay graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1969 and went on to dedicate her career to caring for others. She served as a Nursing Home Administrator in Cape Girardeau Missouri until her retirement in 2019.
Gay was known for her infectious smile and joyful spirit. She loved meeting new people, listening to their stories, and sharing kindness wherever she went. Her greatest pride and joy were her sons, Eban and Jonathan Kea, and later, her cherished grandchildren. In retirement, Gay found happiness in daily walks with her neighbor Bud, reading, and spending precious time with family.
Gay is survived by her sons Eban (Amity) of Greenville, Jonathan of Durham, and brothers Jon (Faith) of Charlotte and Vernon (Joanne) of Winterville, and her grandchildren Braxton, Anderson, and Miller along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a younger sister Cathy, her loving brother Keith (Gloria) of Rocky Mount and her older sister Paula (John) of New Bern.
Gay devoted much of her life in service to others and helping those in need. She also had a special love for animals. In her memory, the family encourages donations to a local animal shelter or acts of kindness to those in need.
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2 Entries
Faith Dunn
July 28, 2025
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that when Gay got to Heaven, she flung her arms wide, tilted her head up, smiled broadly, and proclaimed, "Oh what an AWESOME adventure!"
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Phyllis
July 28, 2025
Forever one of the best! She strived daily to make Heartland the best! She loved people and always put herself second. She was a great friend and I will cherish the memories of the trips we made to North Carolina , Maryland and in Missouri. She loved her family and we were happy that she got to move back to North Carolina in 2019. Truly a Terrific Lady! Thank you for sharing her with her Missouri family and friends.
Phyllis
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