Amanda Kay Rea

Amanda Kay Rea, 46, of Fayetteville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Duke University Hospital in Durham. She passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Amanda’s life was a beautiful reflection of kindness, devotion, and faith. She was a loving mother to her children, Joshua J. Rea, Jacob I. Rea, and Hannah N. Rea; a cherished daughter to Ronald and Barbara Gearing of Fayetteville; and a beloved sister to Julia Haselberger and husband Joseph of Yulee, FL, Jennifer Gilliland and husband Shawn of Renfrew, PA, Christina Sabota and husband Phillip of Gambrills, MD, Amy Burks of Hope Mills, NC, and Douglas Gearing and wife Katie of Saint Augustine, FL. She was also adored by her five nephews, nine nieces, and one great-niece.

Born on October 13, 1979, in Ellwood City Hospital, Pennsylvania, Amanda was the fifth of six children. She spent her early years in Zelienople, PA, and Knoxville, TN, before moving with her family to Fayetteville in the fall of 1993. A 1998 graduate of 71st High School, Amanda filled her school years with music, athletics, and leadership, playing French horn in the marching band, competing in soccer, track, and cross country, and serving as a cheerleader. Whatever she did, she did with heart and excellence.

Amanda was blessed with two meaningful careers that reflected her gifts of service and compassion. She first earned a Bachelor of Science in Music and a teaching degree, sharing her love of music as a teacher in the Cumberland County School System for nine years — most recently as Band Director at Westover Middle School. Later, feeling called to care for others in a new way, she pursued nursing. After earning her RN degree from Bladen County Community College, she began working at Cape Fear Valley Hospital while continuing her education, proudly completing her bachelors of science degree in Nursing at UNC Pembroke.

Faith and family were the cornerstones of Amanda’s life. She was deeply involved in her church community, serving joyfully as Music and Choir Director at St. James Lutheran Church. She was also a dedicated band parent alongside her daughter Hannah at Jack Britt High School and a beloved colleague and friend at Cape Fear Valley. Amanda had a heart for people — she never met a stranger, and she offered help, encouragement, and a warm smile to everyone she met.

Amanda’s light will continue to shine in the lives she touched. Though her time on earth was far too short, her legacy of love, music, faith, and kindness will live on through her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church in Amanda’s name.

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