Judy Benge Anderson

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Judy quietly slipped away from us during the early evening hours of June 17, 2022. Her infectious laugh and quick wit will be missed by us all. She always cared about you and remembered what you cared about.

She began her life in Lenoir, NC but shortly afterwards her family moved to Harmony and then, Statesville. In 1944, that family (Mom, Dad and older brother Tony) left Statesville and moved to Baltimore, as her Dad gained employment building B-26 Marauder aircraft for the Glenn L. Martin Company – which eventually became Lockheed Martin.

Returning to Statesville after WW II, Judy spent the rest of her elementary and high school years there (she’s a Greyhound!). The mid-late fifties were a time of “Happy Days” and Judy loved those years. Her high school experiences and friends were very important to her and still invoke some of her best memories. The music and dancing at various venues were always anticipated, enjoyed and talked about. Even though now living a couple hours from Statesville, Judy would often show up for a Saturday breakfast with her high school classmates and get to all the class reunions.

The next chapter of Judy’s life began at High Point College (now University), only the second in her family to attend college, so it was a big deal. Sorority sisters and competing in the Miss High Point College contest were highlights and helping a poor student with his studies was a side adventure for her.

Fortunately for him, he was able to convince Judy that he would be her faithful companion for the rest of her life – and she finally agreed! That covenant has been a dynamite partnership for over 60 years. Judy was a good student at High Point and came to Raleigh in 1961, where she spent the balance of her life. At first she was known as “Chip’s wife”; it didn’t take long for him to become only “Judy’s husband”.

Employed by Wachovia Bank for several years, she found some time to join friends in a few volunteer and community service organizations such as Junior Women’s Club. Later, serving as a docent at our N.C. Art Museum, Governor’s Mansion and volunteering at Rex Hospital (President of its Guild), were important ways to share her time. Additionally, Judy contributed her insight and advice on several committees at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church over the years. She had a unique ability to think outside the box when addressing any Church issue – or, for that matter, any other of life’s issues requiring solutions.

She was proud of her two boys, Christopher and Kevin. While Chris died at the early age of 23, Kevin’s family has filled Judy’s life with fun and companionship. From daughter-in-law, Perri (Raleigh) to her precious grandchildren - Garrett (Raleigh), Tyler (Blake), Spartanburg - Judy’s life has been expanded and made so much more fulfilled. She will miss the one-on-one with these family members, Cardinal residents and so many other friends she has made during her life.

Our 1992 German exchange student, Tabea, holds a special place in Judy’s heart; she referred to Tabea as her German daughter and that relationship has been remarkably close ever since she was here; transoceanic visits have been often.

Judy’s first neighborhood for 25 years, Glen Forest, had friends who spent much time together as our children grew up; Judy treasures these folks and relationships continue to thrive. Hayes Barton Methodist Church - from Chip’s early childhood and Judy’s early marriage years - has been a strong support system and connected us to a circle of people who seek to be faithful disciples of Christ.

Chip and Judy loved to travel, discovering new environments and cultures. From the treasures of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage, China’s Yangtze River, hiking the Nepalese Annapurna, Caribbean blue/green waters, Kenyan wildebeest migration, Paris apartments, Auschwitz sadness, road trips through Kentucky and California, Galapagos uniqueness, Irish and Scottish histories and Trier Germany, they soaked it all in. Many of these travel experiences were shared with friends and family.

One of Judy’s great pleasures has been her refuge in the North Carolina High Country (her Dad was born there). As a child of the foothills, going west to her other home in Jefferson in later life was somewhat like going “home”. Away from the hurly burly of the city, she found the relaxation and togetherness regenerating. In the front porch swing with a cup of coffee, the morning newspaper and full view of Mt. Jefferson, her perfect day began.

Judy will be remembered for her openness, wit, companionship, and fierce loyalty. She loved to dance and was known to notice a smooth dancer on the floor and ask to join him. Proud of her upbringing, she was honest to the core, loved her good friends and valued their advice. And it is said, she never met a stranger. While her physical body will be absent, her spirit, outgoing and thoughtful personality will always be present. Her only regret is not being able to be with her expected great granddaughter in October and Garrett’s marriage to Jane Claire next year. At the end of her life, she knew she was loved and wanted those around her to know she loved them too. We were all blessed to have her with us for 81 years. So, simply put your arms around someone you love and hold tight for a moment – while we can.

Her parents, Ina Reavis Benge and Hubert Milton Benge are deceased; brother Tony M. Benge (Betty) lives in Maitland Florida. Tony’s children, Heather and Tony Jr. and their children also survive Judy.

Services for Judy will be at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh on Thursday, June 30th at 11:30 with a reception to follow at the church.

Memorials to either - Seekers Benevolent Fund at (HBUMC) 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh NC 27608 – or Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh NC 27607

Services by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC.