September 17, 1939 – April 18, 2024
BUXTON — Jeanette Gray Finnegan Torok, 84, known as Jaye, died on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in her home in Buxton, N.C. A native of Buxton, she was the daughter of Jeanette (Janet) Finnegan and William Finnegan.
Jaye attended East Carolina University, and upon graduating, she received a bachelor’s degree in teaching and education. Jaye proceeded to teach through an illustrious career at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and also at Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia. She enjoyed high school teaching, and in the later part of her educational career, she concentrated on teaching advanced placement government courses at First Colonial High School.
After retirement from the school system, she ventured down south to own and operate a restaurant in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, named the “Dolphin Den.” She was a woman of many talents and hobbies, and while successfully maintaining her restaurant ownership at the “Dolphin Den,” she began developing her talents as an author. She wrote and successfully published a five-part series of books labeled “Spirits of Cape Hatteras Island.” They can be viewed online and in select bookstores.
Jaye also was a professional photographer and published a calendar concentrating on the beauty of Cape Hatteras and its historical backdrops. She was an inspiration to always move forward and never to look back at past accomplishments.
Before Jaye’s passing away, she had been working on a sixth book that had yet to be completed or published. Jaye loved to travel and always took in what life had to offer. She was known and loved throughout the local community. She is to be missed always.
Jaye is survived by her son Robert L. Tugwell and his wife Kimberly, her grandchildren, her brother Michael Finnegan, and her stepson Teddy Torok. She was predeceased by her husband, Theodore Torok.
A gathering will be announced at a later date and time.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
