March 22, 2026, 88, Kenly – Dorothy Pate Kirby, 88, passed away at her home on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Born in Wayne County of February 20, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Joe Pate and Piercy Lancaster Pate.
In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Maylon Arthur Kirby, Sr.; and siblings, Lloyd Pate, Bruton Pate, Pete Pate, Martha Pate Weaver, Eva Pate Wooten, and Irene Pate Stafford.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Maylon “Art” Kirby, Jr. and wife, Charity Overbey Kirby, and children, Stephen Bryon Overbey and Madison Bryce Overbey of Trent Woods, and Myra Jean Kirby Kennedy and husband, David of Pinehurst; and grandchildren, Maylon Arthur “Trey” Kirby, III, Frederick Tyler Kirby, Victoria Pate Kirby, Jason Kennedy, and Matthew Kennedy. Dorothy is also survived by several great-grandchildren, a brother, John Pate, and several nieces and nephews.
Dorothy passed away leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and unwavering love for her family and community. A woman of strong faith and tireless work ethic, she touched countless lives throughout her years.
A proud graduate of Nahunta High School, Class of 1956, Dorothy carried the values she learned there into a lifelong career of service. She began her professional journey with Johnston County Public Schools, where she worked as a food service nutrition manager. Her leadership, commitment, and passion for excellence set her apart, and she made history as the first manager ever elected President of the North Carolina School Food Service Association. In addition to her leadership roles, Dorothy also served as a trainer, mentoring and inspiring others by instilling in them the same strong work ethic and pride she carried throughout her career.
Dorothy’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted and faithful member of St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities over the years. She found great joy in teaching Sunday School, caring for children in the nursery, and lifting her voice in the church choir. She was also a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary and served faithfully on the church’s Memorial Fund Committee. Her love for her church family was evident in all that she did.
Above all, Dorothy was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She poured her heart into her family, always putting their needs before her own. Her strength, kindness, and selflessness created a home filled with love, and her family will forever cherish the sacrifices she made and the memories they shared.
Dorothy’s life was one of purpose, faith, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on in the lives she touched.
A service to celebrate Dorothy’s life will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Kenly Funeral Service with Pastor Charles Sugg, Sr. presiding. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Dorothy will be laid to rest at the homeplace in a private setting.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to be sent to St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 8456 St Mary’s Church Rd, Kenly, NC 27542 or to 3HC of Wilson 2516 Ward Blvd, Wilson, NC 27893 in memory of Dorothy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral Service
