Karen Cockerham Modlin

Kay graduated from Meredith College and devoted her career to serving as a guidance counselor at Wake Forest Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless students with her compassion, wisdom, and encouragement. She was a faithful member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church for more than 40 years, where her commitment to her church family and community shone brightly.

Kay will be remembered as loving, caring, funny, and generous—a woman whose laughter and warmth brought joy to everyone she met. She was an avid rose gardener, cherished summers at Ocean Isle Beach with her family and her sister Ann, and loved traveling with her high school friends, the Fi Fi’s, as well as reunions with her Meredith College friends who always held a special place in her heart. She had a gift for entertaining, whether hosting family dinners or enjoying evenings with her beloved neighbors.

Kay is survived by her sons, Gray Modlin and his wife Greta, and Matthew Modlin and his wife Jayne; and her grandchildren, Will and Avery, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Ann Carmichael, and her husband Don; along with their sons, Teddy and Taylor.

A service to celebrate Kay’s life will be held on September 14, 2025, at 3:00 pm, at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. The family is being assisted by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org) in memory of Kay’s spirited life and enduring legacy.