October 31, 2025, 58, Goldsboro —
Audra Rene Albert, 58, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, following a private and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. Born in Levittown, Pennsylvania, to Janet and Paul Ottey, Audra earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Temple University and began her career in journalism and nonprofit service. After moving to North Carolina, Audra and her husband, John, built a life filled with love and laughter as they raised their daughter, Kenna. Audra later returned to nonprofit work, using her talents to advance advocacy and expand access and opportunities to literacy resources. Audra went on to serve at Lenoir Community College, where she helped individuals launch careers in public safety. Her work reflected her lifelong belief in the power of education, opportunity, and service. In her free time, she could be found involved with Center Stage Theatre, both on and off the stage, where she also served as the organization’s treasurer. Audra will be remembered for her gracious spirit, humility, quick wit, and her insistence on never starting a day without a big cup of coffee. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, John Albert; her daughter, Kenna Albert; her mother, Janet Ottey; her siblings, Toni Towe (Mike), Krista Beamish (Mark), and Greg Ottey; her sister-in-law, Lynn Cope (Darin); and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Ottey; her niece, Danielle Towe; and her grandmother, Louisa Woodward. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Greenville, or to a local arts or literacy foundation of your choice. A celebration of Audra’s life will be held at a later date.
