Kalen Rawlings Fulbright

Kalen Rawlings Fulbright of Lansing, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at the age of 65. Born July 12, 1958 in Raleigh, North Carolina, she is the daughter of John Oren Rawlings and the late Mary Jane Reichardt Rawlings.

After graduating from UNC Chapel HIll, Kalen embarked on a fulfilling career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist, serving the children of Ashe and surrounding counties for over three decades. Her commitment to her young patients was unparalleled, and she approached her work with a profound sense of empathy and compassion. Kalen always ensured that the needs of the children came first, embodying the true spirit of selflessness and care.

In addition to her impactful career in pediatric physical therapy, Kalen was also an avid beekeeper. She harvested and bottled her own honey that she used to help raise funds for Ashe Developmental Day School, as well as selling honey in local stores and at the Lansing Farmers' Market. Kalen loved having family home during the holidays, cooking and baking for the kids and grandkids. Her favorite Christmas treats included her grandmother's sugar cookie recipe and three-layered brownies. Kalen's faith was an important part of her life, attending Jefferson United Methodist Church for over 30 years. Within the church community, she found joy and purpose in leading the children's handbell choir.

Kalen's legacy of love, kindness and generosity made her an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and therapist. Her legacy of service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

In addition to her mother, Kalen is preceded in death by her sister Gwen Briggs.

Kalen is survived by her husband of over 44 years, Joe Fulbright Jr., two sons, Joe Fulbright III and wife Andrea of Raleigh, Zachary Fulbright of West Jefferson, and one daughter, Leah Pfeiffer and husband Joshua of Charlotte, father John Rawlings of Apex, brother Bradley Rawlings and wife Claudia of Wendell, brother-in-law Russ Briggs and wife Leigh of Raleigh, brother-in-law Jerry Fulbright and wife Pam of Claremont, sister-in-law Beverly Null and husband Dennis of Claremont, brother-in-law Walter Fulbright and wife Donna of Claremont, and four grandchildren, Nolan Pfeiffer, Graham Pfeiffer, February Fulbright, and Frances Fulbright, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at Jefferson United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:00pm.

The family respectfully requests no food please. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ashe Developmental Day School; 522 Academy Street, Jefferson, NC 28640, donations will also be accepted during the memorial service or through this link Kalen Fulbright Memorial ADDS .