Wendy Kaye Justice Rawlings of Chocowinity, N.C., was born on March 6, 1948, in Rogersville, Tenn. She courageously left us October 27, 2012, in Greenville, N.C.
Meme, as she was affectionately known to her two surviving grandchildren, had many hobbies, passions, and interests, not least of which were family, friends, children, animals, reading good books (and a few bad ones), dessert (particularly the chocolate and frozen varieties), being on or near the water, and — of course — the color purple. How many people have a signature color?
All who knew her were very well aware of her passion for life and all of its simplicities and complexities. This likely stemmed from the fact that she beat lung cancer five times over 12 years. Another byproduct of her survival(s) was her compassionate desire to help others who were stricken or directly affected by this dreaded disease.
After attending Buckhorn High School in New Market, Ala., and graduating from Hazel Green High School in Hazel Green, Ala., (Class of 1966) she spent the early years of her career in Charlotte, NC working for Hoffman & Hoffman Inc., Pnucor, and Royal Insurance.  She spent the later years of her career working for, and eventually retiring from, the State of North Carolina’s Guardian ad Litem program in Greenville, N.C.
She is survived by her husband, John Rawlings of Chocowinity, N.C.; her sister-in-law, Sandra Rawlings of New Bern, N.C.; her son, Scott Helms, of Charlotte, N.C.; her daughter, Dana Snyder of Indian Trail, N.C.; her extra-special babycakes, Danielle Snyder of Asheville, N.C.; her grandson, Cameron Snyder of Indian Trail, N.C.; her brother, Donny Justice of Kingsport, Tenn.; her sister-in-law, Gladys Justice of Kingsport, Tenn.; her brother, Roger Justice of Kingsport, Tenn.; and countless friends from across the country and world.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Henrietta Justice and her (North Carolina Brown Dog; favorite breed) puppy, Kody Brown.
Her favorite quotes and a few axioms she lived by:
-LUVSLIFE (her NC License Plate).
-Life is Short, Eat Dessert First.
-Sometimes I’m just so happy, I don’t know what to do with myself.
-Live, Love, Laugh, and enjoy every day to its fullest.
A Celebration of Wendy’s life will be held at the Washington Civic Center, 110 North Gladden Street, Washington, NC 27889 on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Feel free to dress casually to the color purple if you wish.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trinity and Beyond, a capital campaign of the Episcopal Archdiocese of East Carolina (705 Doctors Drive, Kinston, NC 28503). This campaign benefits the Trinity Center, which hosts Camp Dove, a retreat for cancer survivors.
Condolences may be offered by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.
“And Remember: Life is Good.”
Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Wendy’s family.