Judy Ann Harris Beal, 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Amorem Hospice in Valdese, after a life that revolved around family, faith, and helping others.

Judy was born on June 12, 1946, in Lenoir, to John Leonard Harris and Blanche Church Harris.

She was a graduate of Lenoir High School and of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she earned a degree in History in 1968.

In 1969, Judy married Beverly Tate Beal, whom she had known since the fifth grade. Together, they raised two sons, and she was a proud, devoted mother. Later in life, nothing brought her greater joy than being a doting “Nana” to her grandchildren.

In the early years after getting married, Judy worked in government agencies at the federal and local levels, and taught junior high school for one year. Later, she helped manage her husband’s busy law practice and his successful campaigns for Superior Court judge. Judy was also an instructor for the GED/Adult Basic Skills program at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute for a number of years.

A person of strong faith, Judy was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir, where she served as an officer and even sang in the choir for a while (though she erroneously claimed to be unable to carry a tune). She was also active as a volunteer for charitable causes and a leader in a number of community organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the Caldwell Council on Adolescent Health, the Caldwell Woman’s Club, and the Caldwell Heritage Museum.

Sweet, considerate, and loving to everyone she encountered, Judy loved reading, learning, laughter, traveling with family, and hosting parties. She especially enjoyed cooking and baking for loved ones and sought to gather as many of them around the dining room table as she could. While her husband was holding court for 22 years as a judge in various counties, many other judges and court personnel were also the delighted recipients of the cookies and other treats that she sent along with him.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Beverly “Beve” T. Beal; her two sons, Jonathan Beal (Erika) of Lenoir and Andrew Beal (Alison) of Raleigh; two grandsons, Grainger Beal of Lenoir and Owen Beal of Raleigh; a step-granddaughter, Brianna Hefner; along with many beloved extended family members.

The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church in Lenoir, with Rev. Julie Hester officiating.

Prior to the service the family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Yokefellow; P.O. Box 2422, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Beal family.