Audrey Bunch Perry Leary

Edenton, North Carolina — Audrey Bunch Perry Leary, 94, of Edenton, NC, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on May 23, 1931, in Chowan County, she was the daughter of the late Ellie and Elsie Bunch. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband of thirty-six years, Carroll Shepard Perry, Sr. (“Teeny Boy”), with whom she shared four children; her second husband of twenty-two years, Jack D. Leary; her daughter, Patricia P. Womble; and her brother, Jack D. Bunch.

She is survived by her daughters, Belinda P. Patterson of Edenton, NC, and Jo Ann P. Carpenter (Vincent) of Chesapeake, VA; her son, Carroll S. Perry, Jr. (Daisy) of Tyner, NC; five grandchildren, Caroline Dangson (Ted) of San Carlos, CA, Amanda Mikus (Andy) of Raleigh, NC, Chloe P. Carpenter of Orlando, FL, Sheri Hare (David) of Tyner, NC, and Jason Adams (Stephanie) of Tyner, NC; six great grandchildren, Cameron Foster of Nags Head, NC, Peyton Foster of Raleigh, NC, Tai Dangson and Liem Dangson of San Carlos, CA, Megan Hare of Hertford, NC, and Cole Hare of Tyner, NC; her brothers, James H. Bunch (Myrtle) of Chesapeake, VA, and A. Wayne Bunch (Betty) of Edenton, NC, and her sister, Glenda B. Parrish (Calvin) of Edenton, NC.

Audrey also leaves behind stepchildren, Vicki Leary of Raleigh, NC, and Roddy Leary (Suzi) of Edenton, NC; five step-grandchildren: Matthew Leary (Chelsea) of Edenton, NC, Ryan Leary and Sarah Leary of Raleigh, NC, Gabi Dwyer and Alex Dwyer of Raleigh NC; Devin Hilsenbeck and Kelsey Richards of Iowa, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Together with her first husband, Carroll, Audrey owned and operated Byrum’s Service Center (“Teeny Boy’s”) in northern Chowan County for twenty-five years. She served with distinction as Town Clerk for Winfall, NC from 1990 to 2000. Then her entrepreneurial spirit and love of flowers led her to launch Audrey’s Wedding Planning business and to become involved in landscape design at Leary Plant Farm through retirement.

A devoted woman of faith, Audrey was an active member of

Ballards Bridge Baptist Church, where she sang in the adult choir, before later transferring her membership to Rocky Hock Baptist Church. There, she was instrumental in founding the Senior Adult Choir, reflecting her lifelong love of music and service.

Audrey will be remembered as a gracious and steadfast woman whose faith and compassion touched many lives. She was deeply devoted to her family and took immense joy in music and flowers.

— Hers was a life of quiet strength, abundant love, and lasting song.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church with Rev. Trey Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Following the interment, the family will greet friends with a visitation and meal in the family life center of the church.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com