Judith Hartley Stiles

LEXINGTON Judith “Judy” Hartley Stiles, 81, of Lexington, South Carolina passed quietly from this earth on Thursday, March 7, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. A dedicated advocate for both children and the homeless, Judy devoted her life to serving others.

Born in Utica, New York on March 28, 1942 to the late Albert and Elizabeth (Heald) Hartley, but growing up in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Judy graduated from The University of Maine at Orono with a degree in Early Childhood Development. Upon graduation, she started a lifetime career as an educator, teaching elementary school in Connecticut, Maine, and North Carolina, Her passion was working with kindergarteners, especially those at underserved schools, making sure they got a great start in their school experience. She continued to teach in her retirement in 2017, working as a substitute within Richland-Lexington School District 5.

Devoted to her Christian faith, Judy was very active at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in Irmo, SC. She served on outreach committees supporting Haiti, and was a chair of the committee that supported Family Promise of the Midlands, a non-profit initiative that brings the faith community to help families regain housing.

In her spare time, Judy enjoyed cooking, watching college sports (especially her beloved Tar Heels), any kind of craft activity and working in her garden. The only thing that gave her more pleasure than those activities was being "Nana" to her grandchildren. They were her pride and joy.

Judy is survived by her two sons, George M. Stiles (Leslie) of Chapin, South Carolina and Jonathan H. Stiles (Martha) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along with her six grandchildren, Beth Anne, Matt, Ellie Grace, Wells, Dixon, and Molly and two great-grandchildren, Natalia and Nadia.

The family is incredibly appreciative and would like to express their deep gratitude for the excellent care and kindness extended to Judy by the staffs at Oak Leaf Village, Lexington Medical Center, and Agape Lexington Hospice House.

Memorials may be made to Family Promise of the Midlands (https://familypromisemidlands,org [familypromisemidlands,org])

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, is assisting the family.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.