Judith Carter Hardison

Judy was born on July 28th, 1937 in Cumberland County, NC to Jack Cashwell Carter and Myrtle Carroll Carter. She grew up in the Grays Creek Community and attended Flora Macdonald College. She worked in office administration in North Carolina and Virginia prior to staying home to raise her three daughters.

Judy is survived by her husband of 64 years, Joe William Hardison; her daughters, Julia Pjetraj (Michael) and Jennifer Voelker (Joe), both of Raleigh, NC, and Joanna Erwin (Michael) of Richmond,VA; eight grandchildren, Jack, Anna Grey, Ava, Lilah, Rebekah, Kole, Carter, and Cash. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Love Carter.

Judy’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished holiday family get togethers and times spent at their Wrightsville Beach cottage surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She loved gathering everyone around the table to enjoy her delicious southern cooking. An exceptional baker, Judy was best known for her delicious rum, mountain apple and coconut cakes. She especially loved baking during the holidays with her granddaughters.

Judy enjoyed excursions with her husband Joe from simple Sunday drives and weekend getaways to travels abroad. She accompanied him on many sailing adventures and also to blue grass and old time music festivals and jam sessions where they met a wonderful community of sailing and music friends. An avid reader, Judy was a member of a beloved book club for many years. She belonged to Haymount United Methodist Church.

Judy was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, caring sister and loyal friend. She will be remembered as an eternal optimist whose glass was always overflowing. A four-time cancer survivor, she faced life with grace and positivity. Judy loved people and she drew others to her with her warmth and genuine interest in their lives. She had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved. She will be deeply missed.

Funeral Services were held privately by the family. She is laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, NC. To honor Judy, the family welcomes memorial donations to Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, P.O Box 25759, Fayetteville, NC 28314 or www.hungercantwait.org.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.