We are saddened to announce that Judy Helen Boyd Chavis has gone to her heavenly home on June 8, 2026 in Burlington.
She was born in Scotland County to Linnie and Hudson Boyd on June 14, 1944.
She graduated from Pembroke State University (UNC-P) after meeting her lifelong love (James) in biology class. Over the years, they both proclaimed that it was love at first sight!
Judy taught school for 32 years. Most of those years were served at Fairview Heights in Hamlet. She had many passions, including baking (she was known for her gingerbread cookies), antiquing (her house always looked like a museum), gardening with a special affinity for wildflowers, attending her beloved church — Freedom Baptist in Rockingham — and running (in her earlier years.) She was a dedicated member of the Mangum Track Club. She ran three marathons and countless 10Ks. She even carried the Olympic torch when it passed through Richmond County in the 1980s. While still residing in Richmond County, she loved her monthly meetings with her group of fellow retirees, which included some of her lifelong best friends.
Judy is survived by her husbandk James (Jim) Chavis Jr.k of 62 years; son James Chavis III and daughter Emily L. Kirkley (Tom Kirkley); five grandchildren, James Chavis IV, Michael Chavis, Jadon Walker, Abigail Chavis and Don Chavis; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Tracy Sampson; and one beloved sister, Marjorie Sewell.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Freedom Baptist Church, 987 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham. A burial service will follow at Hillside Memorial Park, U.S. Hwy 401 Bypass, Laurinburg. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: the Burlington Animal Services Pet Adoption and Resource Center, 221 Stone Quarry Road, Burlington, NC 27217 (burlingtonnc.gov); or the Richmond County Animal Shelter, 529 W. U.S. Hwy 74 , Rockingham, NC 28379 (910-895-0335); or Freedom Baptist Church, 987 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watsonkingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Chavis family.
