Jessalyn LeAnn (Wray) Batten

Jessalyn LeAnn Wray Batten, 36, of Whiteville, NC was called home to God’s kingdom on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 after a 1 year battle against breast cancer.

Jessalyn was born on September 27, 1987 in Whiteville, NC to Ricky Thompson Wray and Vickie Louise Kinlaw Wray. She was a daddy’s girl and her momma’s world.

Jessalyn had a passion for dancing and attended Amy’s Academy of Dance for 15 years. She attended Columbus Christian Academy - where she was a cheerleader - and graduated in 2005.

After graduation, Jessalyn attended Southeastern Community College. During her time there she crossed paths with a fellow student named Brandon Batten who towered over her tiny frame. Through the wisdom of God’s perfect timing - and a well placed note with his phone number on it left for Jessalyn by Brandon - the two dated for 3 years and married on April 20, 2013. For the last 10 years she has lovingly been referred to as “The Wife” by Brandon, who cherished her beyond measure.

Five years ago this week, they welcomed the daughter who made Jessalyn a “Momma." Braelyn takes after her momma, loving all things girly. She was the apple of her momma’s eye and Jessalyn adored her.

Jessalyn worked as a Branch Banker for First Bank in Whiteville. She took pleasure in the beach, shopping, and getting manicures. She enjoyed a clean house so much that she insisted on vacuuming every day before work. She loved her family, Brandon, Braelyn, and Jesus most of all.

In addition to her parents, Jessalyn leaves behind her husband Brandon Wayne Batten, and her daughter Braelyn Rae Batten of the home; sister and best friend Christa Wray McMillan and husband Brian, niece Emory Wray and nephew Coleson McMillan, all of Whiteville. She is further survived by her in laws Wayne and Sonya Batten, sisters-in-law Ashley Batten, Brittany Canady, and their families. 

God answered our prayers for Jessalyn to be healed. Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort that she is now wrapped in the arms of Jesus.

Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Worthington Funeral Home in Chadbourn.

A celebration of Jessalyn’s life will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at New Light Church in Bladenboro, with Pastor Dale Hester officiating.

**In honor of Jessalyn’s bright personality and zest for life, the family encourages anyone attending the visitation or celebration of life to wear Jessalyn’s favorite, Lily Pulitzer, or otherwise colorful, vibrant clothing**

Jessalyn will be laid to rest in the Western Prong Baptist Church Cemetery during a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the GoFundMe to help Brandon and Braelyn as they navigate the future without their precious Jessalyn: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fight-like-jessalyn?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

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