Jerry Elizabeth (Whitley) Bobbitt

Jerry Elizabeth Whitley Bobbitt age 78 of Blounts Creek, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 with family by her side from complications caused by endocarditis.

A graveside service in remembrance of Jerry’s life will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, April 05 at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mounty (761 E. Raleigh Boulevard) with Pastor Roy Porter presiding.

Jerry, an only-child, was born in Michigan on December 07, 1945, to the late Roger Franklin Whitley, Jr. and Ada Geraldine Smith Whitley.  She was a member of the 1964 graduating class of Tarboro High School.  She continued her education, driving 180 miles a day for two years, to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from East Carolina University in 1975.

Jerry’s dedication to the noble profession of teaching began in 1975 at Lewis Chapel Junior High School in Fayetteville.  It is there she began shaping the minds and hearts of countless students for 30 years - not only in the classroom, but also on the basketball court, softball field and track and field.  She spent 20 years in the Cumberland County school system teaching and coaching with tenures not only at Lewis Chapel, but also at Pine Forest Junior High and Hope Mills Junior High. Upon her husband’s retirement and their move to Blounts Creek, she spent another ten years in the Beaufort County school system.

Her passion, commitment and enthusiasm left an indelible mark on the lives of her students and colleagues alike. She not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in them a belief in their own potential. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom, as she served as a mentor and role model to many, leaving a lasting legacy.

In addition to her dedication to her profession, Jerry was endlessly devoted to her family.  She cherished her role as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother above all else.  She shared a deep love for her husband and forever sweetheart, Jack.  They built a life filled with love, laughter and cherished memories.  She nurtured her children with unconditional love and encouragement, stopping at nothing to support them. Her family was the center of her world, and she took great joy in watching her children grow and thrive, instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity, humility and devotion to family. She treasured every moment spent with her family, creating memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

Living on the banks of Blounts Bay brought more time for one of her favorite pastimes of fishing.  She found joy in the simple pleasures of life and revered the moments spent with family and friends. Her spirit of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

Jerry is survived by her daughter Jennifer Bobbitt Ezzell, son-in-law Kenny of Lexington, NC and their daughters Krissy Ezzell of Lexington, NC and  Katy Vogelzang (husband, Erik and great-granddaughter, Olivia) of Hermosa Beach, CA; son John P. Bobbitt III, daughter-in-law Dawn, their son Perry Bobbitt and daughter Kayleigh Bobbitt of Coats, NC; son Jeremy Bobbitt, daughter-in-law Robin and their sons Henry and William of Raleigh, NC.  She was predeceased in death by her parents and her husband, John P. Bobbitt, Jr. (Jack)

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