Judith Smith Barnes

Judith "Judy" Smith Barnes, a beacon of warmth and love, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, in Morehead City, NC, at the age of 77. Born on November 27, 1946, in Fort Plain, NY, Judy grew up to be a remarkable woman whose life was characterized by her creative spirit, intelligence, and loving nature.

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 16 at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Anglican Church, 292 McCabe Road, Newport, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse - samaritanspurse.org.

Growing up in Fort Plain, NY Judy was a self-proclaimed tomboy and loved sleigh riding, roller skating, ice skating, bicycling, playing baseball, hiking in the woods and fields, and building snow forts.

Judy's educational journey at the Utica School of Commerce culminated in her certification in Medical Secretarial work, a field in which she excelled due to her meticulous nature and desire to help others. Her career was marked by her dedication to community service, notably her significant contributions to the Wilson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Wilson, NC, where she served with distinction as its first President.

Following her move to Morehead City, NC, Judy continued to impact lives as the Director of Volunteer Services for Carteret General Hospital for over 15 years. Her leadership and compassion in this role left a lasting imprint on the hospital community and the countless volunteers she guided and inspired.

Judy's love for nature and gardening was a testament to her appreciation for life's beauty and her ability to nurture growth in all forms. Together with her beloved husband, Charles, she created an oasis of plants and gardens, a space of tranquility and joy.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her existence, and she was a dedicated member of All Saints Anglican Church. Judy's spirituality was a source of strength and comfort to her and those who knew her, and it shaped the way she lived her life and reached out to others.

A patriotic soul, Judy's heart went out to those who served the country. She dedicated time to NCpacks4patriots, where she took pleasure in assembling packages for troops overseas, ensuring that the men and women in uniform felt the warmth of home, no matter how far away they were.

Judy's family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Milton Barnes; children, Jennifer Jones Beck and Justin David Jones; step-daughters, Katherine McConnell (Gordon) and Karen Hodgdon (Donald); sister, Elizabeth Smith Webb; and brother, Robert Edward Smith (Cat). Judy's legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Carson and Avery Beck, and Ethan, Dylan, Ayla, Talin, and Griffin McConnell, as well as her nephews, Patrick and Timothy Smith, and numerous beloved cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice Loveys Potter and Robert David Smith, who instilled in her the values of kindness and service that she carried throughout her life.

Judy's presence was a gift to all who knew her. Her creative touch, intelligent conversations, and loving embrace will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Her life was a tapestry of service, love, and faith, woven with the threads of deep connections that she formed with everyone she met.

As we say goodbye to Judy, we celebrate a life extraordinarily well-lived, a journey marked by selfless dedication, and the countless hearts she touched. Her spirit will continue to flourish in the gardens she tended, the projects she led, and the memories she created with those she loved.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered, and Judy will be held in loving remembrance by her family, friends, and all the lives she touched. Her story is one of love, service, and the graceful legacy she leaves behind—a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us in the days to come.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net.

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.