Longtime Kenly Resident Dorothy Pate Kirby Passes Away at 88

Kirby was a dedicated community member and school nutrition leader.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:22pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting the interior of a church, with blurred pews, stained glass windows, and a glimpse of a choir loft, conceptually representing the spiritual and communal aspects of Dorothy Pate Kirby's life.The vibrant community life and faith that Dorothy Pate Kirby dedicated herself to for decades will be deeply missed in Kenly.Kenly Today

Dorothy Pate Kirby, an 88-year-old resident of Kenly, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at her home. Kirby had a long career with Johnston County Public Schools as a food service nutrition manager and was the first manager ever elected President of the North Carolina School Food Service Association. She was also a devoted member of St. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church, serving in various roles over the years.

Why it matters

Kirby's passing marks the end of an era for the Kenly community, as she was a pillar of the town and a trailblazer in her field. Her lifelong dedication to public service and her church community left a lasting impact on those around her.

The details

Kirby began her professional career with Johnston County Public Schools, working as a food service nutrition manager. She made history as the first manager ever elected President of the North Carolina School Food Service Association, where she served as a leader, trainer, and mentor to others. In addition to her work, Kirby was a devoted member of St. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, caring for children in the nursery, and singing in the church choir.

  • Dorothy Pate Kirby passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
  • A service to celebrate Kirby's life will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The players

Dorothy Pate Kirby

An 88-year-old resident of Kenly, North Carolina who had a long career with Johnston County Public Schools as a food service nutrition manager and was a devoted member of St. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church.

St. Mary's Free Will Baptist Church

The church where Kirby was a devoted and faithful member, serving in many capacities over the years including teaching Sunday School, caring for children in the nursery, and singing in the choir.

North Carolina School Food Service Association

The organization where Kirby made history as the first manager ever elected President, serving as a leader, trainer, and mentor to others.

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What’s next

A service to celebrate Dorothy's life will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Kenly Funeral Service.

The takeaway

Kirby's passing marks the end of an era for the Kenly community, as she was a pillar of the town and a trailblazer in her field of school nutrition. Her lifelong dedication to public service and her church community left a lasting impact on those around her, and her legacy will continue to inspire others.