Obituary: Jackie Gray Mewborn
Jackie Gray Mewborn
August 20, 1945 – August 23, 2025
La Grange – Jackie Gray Mewborn, 80, was gently carried home in the early hours of Saturday, August 23, 2025, wrapped in the love of her family and the care of those who had walked alongside her in her final chapter at Helping Hands Assisted Living. Born in Wayne County on August 20, 1945, Jackie was the daughter of the late Raymond and Ruby Long Gray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Carey Mewborn; her siblings, Jesse Raymond Gray, William Michael Gray, Letrevia Tressa “Treva” Gray, and Ellen West; and sister-in-law, Carole McKeel.
Jackie dedicated 35 years of her life as a licensed practical nurse at the surgery center of Wayne Memorial Hospital. Tirelessly devoted to her patients, she was a true blessing to those she cared for, bringing both skill and compassion. Not only were her patients a priority, she was deeply devoted to the doctors and coworkers who had the privilege of working alongside her. Jackie often extended her care beyond the hospital walls, treating friends and family at home whenever possible to spare them a trip to the doctor.
To her family, Jackie was nothing short of extraordinary; she was loving, feisty, and the best woman they knew. She loved deeply, gave generously, and was easy to love in return. Known to her granddaughters as “Jack Jack”, they were her pride and joy and the center of her world, for she would do anything for her family.
A phenomenal cook, Jackie’s lasagna, fried chicken, potato salad, home-canned tomato juice, and chocolate cake were legendary staples the family loved. Even after learning her chocolate cake was made from a boxed mix, her family swore there was something to it that only Jackie could do. She loved sharing her food with family, friends, and the staff with whom she worked.
Jackie’s days were full from sunrise to well beyond sunset. Rising early to prepare breakfast for her boys before school, she worked a full day’s work beginning at 7:00 a.m. and returned home to cook dinner, keep a spotless home, wash clothes, and tend to her yard as only she could. Even on the fullest of days, she never missed a ball game or a family event.
With a great love for the beach, Jackie relished every opportunity to breathe in the salt air and hook a fish on the line. Shopping was always a highlight, especially when out with her granddaughters. And the family knew that Friday night was reserved for “Dallas” every week that it aired.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Rouse Funeral Home with Joseph Franklin and John Gray officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Mewborn Family Cemetery.
Jackie is survived by her sons, Junior Mewborn and Todd Mewborn (Jody Lane); grandchildren, Ashley Bratcher (David), Kristin Brown (Josh), Caraleigh Mitchell (Ryan), and Drake Lane; great-grandchildren, Cohen Bratcher, Conleigh Mitchell, Celia Mitchell, Henry Brown, Luke Brown, and Charlotte Brown; sister, Patsy Boyette (Mike); sisters-in-law, Eula Gray and Brenda Perry; and a special family friend, Robert Radford.
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to those who lovingly cared for Jackie during her time of need: Gentiva Hospice staff, Angela Lizak, Summer Boyette, and the staff at Helping Hands Assisted Living.
Online condolences may be shared at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Assisted Living, 2052 US 70 West, Goldsboro, NC 27530, or Bethel Fellowship Church, c/o Jackie Overbee, 106 Muierfield Place, Goldsboro, NC 27534. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
