Judith Ann Carter

Born Judith Ann Barfield to Thomas and Ruth Barfield on June 24, 1942, in Fitzgerald, GA, she was their only child.

Judy grew up in the Charlotte area and graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1960. She worked as a bookkeeper and paraprofessional, lending her expertise to several accounting firms over the years.

In 1961, she married the love of her life, Donald Lee Carter, with whom she shared 59 wonderful years until his passing in May 2020. Together, they raised three children: Beverly Carter Mills (62) of Indian Land, SC, Daniel Scott Carter (61) of Charlotte, NC, and Donna Carter Jones (57) of Cary, NC.

She was also deeply loved by her two sons-in-law: Thomas Richard Mills (married to Beverly), who passed away in November 2015, and Charles Lester Jones (Chuck, married to Donna).

Judy was a proud grandmother to three grandchildren: Michael Richard Mills (40, married to Jennifer Nicole Mills), Jordan Elizabeth Jones (29), and Carter Gray Jones (24), as well as a great-grandmother to McKenna Grace Mills (5).

Judy cherished the lifelong friendships she formed in childhood with Judy, Peggy, and Joyce, and for over 70 years, remained close to her group of dear friends who shared in the many chapters of her life.

A gifted artist, Judy’s talent can be seen in the beautiful drawings and paintings she created over the years, many of which her family treasures. She had a deep love for the beach and was an avid shell hunter. Some of her family's fondest memories are of their annual trips to Holden Beach, NC, where Judy would collect seashells and fill her home with beach-themed décor, cross-stitching, and memories.

Judy had a wonderful sense of humor, always ready to laugh—even at herself—and carried that joy through life, especially during challenging times. She loved playing card and board games with friends and family and could often be found on Sundays rooting for the Carolina Panthers. At family gatherings, Judy was the heart of the kitchen, always adjusting dishes to perfection to make sure everyone was well-fed and happy.

In honor of Judy's love for the beach, the family will hold a private celebration of her life at Holden Beach in February.