Judy Duncan Tart

Judy Duncan Tart, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished sister, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Whiteville. Judy was 75 years old and a resident of Clarkton. She was born on January 21, 1951, to the late Tommy Theodore Duncan and Mary Jones Duncan.

Judy’s presence was a source of steadfast love and support within her family and community. Her life was marked by deep and lasting relationships, and she devoted herself to the people who mattered most to her. She was the proud mother of two daughters, Melissa Hood (Tony) and Melody Tart, both of whom were blessed by her unwavering encouragement and affection.

The joy of Judy’s life was magnified by her grandchildren: Nathan Hood (Hali), Nicholas Hood (Timber), Marlee Wilkins (Bryan), Nolan Cribb, and great-grandchild, Sawyer, each of whom brought her immense happiness. Judy’s sister, Frances Watts, survives her and will forever remember the strong bond they shared.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James "Tim" Tart; and by her siblings: Haywood Duncan, Faye Creech, Gail Singletary, Betty Sue Baldwin, and David Duncan, all of whom held special places in her heart.

Judy was known and loved by so many, and she was truly one of the sweetest and most generous people you could ever meet. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren, who always knew how deeply they were loved. She faithfully followed Jesus and was a devoted member of Clarkton Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years. Throughout those years, she quietly served wherever she was needed—teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, caring for children in the nursery, attending women's Bible study, and using her God-given creativity to make learning about Jesus fun for countless children. She was a humble giver who faithfully supported her church, numerous charities, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, never seeking recognition but simply living out her faith through service and generosity.

Mema found beauty in the simple things God had given her. She loved working in her flower gardens, surrounding her home with colorful plants and greenery, and spending hours creating arts and crafts in her workshop—a gift she lovingly passed down to her grandchildren, Marlee and Nathan. Holidays were always special because of her, especially Christmas, when her home was filled with beautiful decorations, and Halloween, when she made the season fun instead of frightening for the little ones. She loved traveling to cheer on her grandsons, Nathan and Nick, as they played baseball, rarely missing an opportunity to be in the stands supporting them. While she loved each of her grandchildren dearly, Marlee held a special place in her heart as her only granddaughter, and Nolan, as the youngest grandchild, brought her so much joy. A perfect day for Mema would begin with a cup of coffee and her Bible, continued with time spent crafting or tending her flowers while her grandchildren played nearby, and end at five o'clock on the front porch, sharing another cup of coffee with Papa Tim, Melissa, and Melody discussing the day’s events. Her quiet faith, servant's heart, and unwavering love for her family have left a legacy that will continue to bless all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Sunday, July 26th at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 27th, at Clarkton Presbyterian Church, 10433 N College St, Clarkton, NC 28433, followed by burial at Clarkton City Cemetery.