Kay Cone Obituary
Visit the Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center website to view the full obituary.
Kay Ferrell Cone, 91, of Raleigh passed away December 17, 2025.
Kay Ferrell Cone, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the age of 91 in Wake County, North Carolina. Born on May 22, 1934, in Nash County, she grew up in a world vastly different from the one she left, yet her values and love for her family remained unwavering throughout the years.
Kay was the cherished daughter of Percy and Minnie Ferrell, who, along with her beloved husband George Ray Cone and her siblings Reuben Ferrell, Alice Perry, Juanita Card, and Bobby Ferrell, preceded her in death. Her legacy continues through her adoring daughters, Gail Cone Purvis (Chuck), Beverly Cone Lowdon (Jack), and Joy Cone Tanner (Bryan), all of whom inherited her strength and grace. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Strickland of Middlesex, NC; and several nieces and nephews.
As a matriarch, Kay took immense pride in her family, welcoming nine grandchildren – Aaron Collins (Karen), Jordan Purvis (Hallie), Matthew Lowdon, Katelyn Daniels (Matson), Lilah Tanner, Victor Tanner, Alex Tanner, Jenna Seaman, and Julia Hanna – and eight great-grandchildren into her loving embrace. Each child was a testament to her nurturing spirit and the values she instilled within her family.
Kay's home was a reflection of her heart: warm, inviting, and always full of life. She was an excellent homemaker, mastering the arts of cooking, sewing, and crafts. Her hands were rarely still, often found playing piano melodies, tending to her garden, or crafting beautiful keepsakes for her family and friends. Her voice, a melodious and comforting sound, could often be heard singing hymns and songs that resonated with her deep love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Those who knew Kay will forever remember her sweet smile, a symbol of the joy and positivity she carried with her daily. Her determination was as steadfast as it was gentle, guiding her through life's challenges with a remarkable sense of common sense that she generously shared with others. Kay's kindness was felt by all who had the pleasure of crossing her path, and her faith-filled spirit was an inspiration to many.
Kay Ferrell Cone was truly a loving soul, whose presence enriched the lives of those around her. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness. As we say goodbye to this extraordinary woman, we celebrate a life well-lived and full of love. She has left an indelible mark on this world, and though she will be dearly missed, the essence of who she was will live on through the generations.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Heartland Hospice at www.gentivahs.com or Providence Church at www.pray.org.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in the Bright Funeral Home Chapel. Private burial will be held at later date at Bailey Cemetery.
The Cone family will receive friends from 1PM- 2 PM prior to the service at the Funeral Home.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Cone family.
Kay Ferrell Cone, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the age of 91 in Wake County, North Carolina. Born on May 22, 1934, in Nash County, she grew up in a world vastly different from the one she left, yet her values and love for her family remained unwavering throughout the years.
Kay was the cherished daughter of Percy and Minnie Ferrell, who, along with her beloved husband George Ray Cone and her siblings Reuben Ferrell, Alice Perry, Juanita Card, and Bobby Ferrell, preceded her in death. Her legacy continues through her adoring daughters, Gail Cone Purvis (Chuck), Beverly Cone Lowdon (Jack), and Joy Cone Tanner (Bryan), all of whom inherited her strength and grace. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Strickland of Middlesex, NC; and several nieces and nephews.
As a matriarch, Kay took immense pride in her family, welcoming nine grandchildren – Aaron Collins (Karen), Jordan Purvis (Hallie), Matthew Lowdon, Katelyn Daniels (Matson), Lilah Tanner, Victor Tanner, Alex Tanner, Jenna Seaman, and Julia Hanna – and eight great-grandchildren into her loving embrace. Each child was a testament to her nurturing spirit and the values she instilled within her family.
Kay's home was a reflection of her heart: warm, inviting, and always full of life. She was an excellent homemaker, mastering the arts of cooking, sewing, and crafts. Her hands were rarely still, often found playing piano melodies, tending to her garden, or crafting beautiful keepsakes for her family and friends. Her voice, a melodious and comforting sound, could often be heard singing hymns and songs that resonated with her deep love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Those who knew Kay will forever remember her sweet smile, a symbol of the joy and positivity she carried with her daily. Her determination was as steadfast as it was gentle, guiding her through life's challenges with a remarkable sense of common sense that she generously shared with others. Kay's kindness was felt by all who had the pleasure of crossing her path, and her faith-filled spirit was an inspiration to many.
Kay Ferrell Cone was truly a loving soul, whose presence enriched the lives of those around her. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness. As we say goodbye to this extraordinary woman, we celebrate a life well-lived and full of love. She has left an indelible mark on this world, and though she will be dearly missed, the essence of who she was will live on through the generations.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Heartland Hospice at www.gentivahs.com or Providence Church at www.pray.org.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in the Bright Funeral Home Chapel. Private burial will be held at later date at Bailey Cemetery.
The Cone family will receive friends from 1PM- 2 PM prior to the service at the Funeral Home.
Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Bright Funeral Home is serving the Cone family.
Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center
405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
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