The oldest of four children of Joseph Benjamin Boyles and Julia Bost Boyles, Judy was born in Charlotte, but grew up mostly in Lincoln County, graduating from Lincolnton High School in 1948 and then from Pfeiffer Jr. College in 1950 with an ABA in business. In 1951 she married the late Neil Stephen Morris, Sr. with whom she had three children. Judy worked as secretary/office manager at a variety of businesses including radio stations, a natural gas company, thread and paper factories and an insurance firm, but her favorite gig was in the legal profession. It was when taking a maritime deposition at the Wilmington law firm in the early 70’s that she met her Scottish Sea Captain, William Barclay Sawers. They married about ten years later and split their time between Dundee, Scotland and North Myrtle Beach, SC, before settling in BSL in 1996 where they enjoyed playing golf at Fox Squirrel Golf Club (now The Lakes) as well as courses all over North and South Carolina. Judy was not a skilled golfer, but she could hit it straight, loved the game and adored the women golfers of The Lakes. After Barclay died in 2010, she continued to golf well into her 80’s. She also enjoyed gardening, baking, reading, ancestry research, sewing, cross stitch and knitting. She was active in the Knitting Ministry at Southport Presbyterian Church where she and the Captain were members since 1996. Her church family was very dear to her and she served as an Elder and on various circles and committees, as well as the Grief Support Group.
Judy is predeceased by her parents, husband Captain Barclay Sawers and a son, Robin Alan Morris. Survivors include a son, Neil Stephen Morris, Jr. (Rosalie) of Brevard, NC, a daughter, Judith Gayle Morris of BSL, as well as her siblings: a brother, Joseph Boyles, Jr. (Patsy) of Gastonia, NC and two sisters: Dossie Sifford of Stanley, NC and Sheila Marie Boyles of Gastonia. Judy adored her many nieces and nephews and was always interested in the lives of the young “greats”.
A service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held on Saturday, December 2, at 1:00 pm at Southport Presbyterian Church, 1025 East Moore St., Southport, NC with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.
The family is grateful to Dr. Karen Wood, MD and the staff at BSL Family Medicine, Dr. Richard Leighton, DO and the Lower Cape Fear Life Care staff for the excellent health care, time and compassion given to her in her last years. Memorial donations in her name may be made to Southport Presbyterian Church, Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer, NC, the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Foundation, 1414 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401 or Meals on Wheels through Brunswick Senior Resources, 3620 Express Dr., P.O. Box 2470, Shallotte, NC 28459.
Judy B. was a clever, funny, sweet and gentle soul who always had a cheerful outlook and saw the best in people. She was a gift in our lives.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com for the Sawers family.
Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.
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