Barbara Jean Kornegay

Barbara Jean Kornegay, lovingly known as Jean, was born on August 8, 1937, in New Bern, NC, USA and left us on July 28, 2026. A lifelong resident of Cove City, North Carolina, Jean was a pillar of the community and a beacon of love, compassion, and generosity. Her life was an embodiment of Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jean’s love for people, especially children, was palpable to all who knew her.

Jean was a talented bookkeeper in the accounting field before her retirement, a role that showcased her meticulous attention to detail and unyielding work ethic. Her hobbies reflected her nurturing spirit and love for family. She was known for her skill in sewing and baking, often creating beautiful clothes for her children and whipping up delicious treats for her beloved family and friends. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she considered them her greatest achievements in life. Jean’s love for life was evident in her passion for crosswords and reading, activities that she enjoyed in her leisure time.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, James and Helen Register, her loving husband, David Kornegay, and her sisters, Faye Bunce and Gail Genova and beloved great-grandchild Dana. She leaves behind a legacy of love with her brother, Furney Register, her children Denise Boehnke (Charles), James Kornegay, Mike Kornegay, Terry Wetherington (Joey), eight grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.

All are invited to visit and pay their respects to Jean on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Park Christian Church, 905 Carolina Avenue, Trent Woods, North Carolina, 28562. The funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the same venue. The internment will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park at 900 River Road, New Bern, NC 28562.

To honor Jean’s memory, we encourage you to share your photos, stories, and memories on her memorial page. Let us celebrate her life and remember the love she had for us all.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Barbara Jean Kornegay.