April 14, 2026, 83, Goldsboro – Ann Cole Kittrell, 83, from Goldsboro, NC, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, while surrounded by her family, pastor, and caregivers after a long battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Born July 17, 1942, in Granville County, Ann was the daughter of the late Allen and Rosa Lee Cole. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jerry Kittrell; two daughters, Cynthia White (Mike), Rhonda Davis-Harrison (Steve); three grandchildren, Emilee McLauchlin, Alyssa Reed, and Cole Davis (Courtney); six great-grandchildren: Kittrell, Anna, Charlie, and William McLauchlin, Walker and MacKenzie Reed; sisters, Judy Milton, Elaine Hillard, Mildred Jackson; and brother, Dennis Cole; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by brothers, Charles, Lewis, James, and Bobby Cole; sisters, Mary Jones, Shirley Faulkner, Joyce Ball, and Linda Cole; as well as son-in-law, William Davis, and grandson-in-law, Barry Reed.
Immediately after their marriage, Ann became a military spouse, which entailed frequent relocations, managing children with Jerry away during two terms in Vietnam and many temporary deployments. She also worked as a secretary at the Country Shop in Goldsboro, NC, for 13 years. In 1983, she and Jerry formed VIP Insurance Agency and later added the tax and accounting business, where they worked side by side for 28 years until finally retiring in 2012.
Family was the center of Ann’s world. She delighted in cooking for those she loved, and nothing brought her more joy than having everyone gathered around the table sharing meals together. She always made a point to prepare everyone’s favorite of her recipes, which amounted to a large variety of “favorites” when all the family got together, especially in July when most of the family would come to Emerald Isle, NC, and celebrate her birthday every year. One passion of hers also was collecting, and she loved showing off her Lenox figurines, displayed for everyone to enjoy in her many curio cabinets.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Ann’s life at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel with Pastor Rick Overman officiating. Interment will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in Ann’s memory to Adamsville Baptist Church, 1302 N. Berkeley Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Ann’s life leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in knowing she is now whole, healed, and praising her Savior.
