Judith "Judy" Kelly

Judith “Judy” Kelly, 81, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A memorial service to honor Judy’s life will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 11th, at Victory Baptist Church in Newport, officiated by Brother Bob Lowery. She will be laid to rest privately at Amariah Garner Cemetery.

Judy was born on November 16, 1943, in Westerly, Rhode Island, to the late Theodore and Isabella Anderson. She began her career at Red & White Grocery Store in Newport before her long career as a merchandise manager at Sears until the store's closure, both jobs allowed her to build lasting relationships in the community.

A cherished member of the Victory Baptist Church in Newport, Judy was known for her deep faith and love for the Lord. Her artistic talents were seen through the beautiful baskets she wove, showcasing her creativity and skill. Judy loved going to the Music Barn listening to music and always enjoyed listening to a good tune on the radio. One of her favorite pastimes was a competitive game of Dominoes with friends, where the laughter and fun were just as important as the game. She was fascinated with Hummingbirds and always enjoyed watching them in her yard. 

Judy was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Jim, with whom she shared over 57 wonderful years before his passing. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she poured love and time into her family, always taking pride in their achievements and milestones.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughters, Cynthia Lynn “Cindi” Dubay (Robin) of Ashaway, RI and Dawn Kelly Barnes (Steve) of Newport; sons, Brian Scott Kelly (Tonya), and Owen B. Kelly (Stephanie), all of Newport; grandchildren, Jason Dubay, Stephen Barnes Jr., Andrew Dubay, Savannah Dubay, Jersie Dubay, Katherine Dubay, Owen Kelly Jr., and Jacob Morris; and great-grandchildren, Zeke Dubay, Joshua Duvall, Caden Barnes, Cecelia Dubay, Emory Barnes, and Alexander Dubay.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie “Jim” Carr Kelly who passed away in 2020; and her sister, Gail Pronteau.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Crystal Coast Hospice House, P.O. Box 640, Newport, NC 28570 or Victory Baptist Church, 1051 Hibbs Rd., Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.