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Judy Sharon Phipps Lawrence, 74, died Friday, January 22, 2021, at Vidant Beaufort Hospital, Washington.

Better known as Nana to her family, she was born in Winston-Salem on May 18, 1946, to her parents, Walter Clifton Phipps and Wilma Hampton Phipps. 

Miss Judy spent her childhood in the mountains of Sparta in Allegheny County.  Her family later moved to Davie and then Iredell County where she graduated high school in 1964.  Miss Judy met the love of her life, William Earl “Bill” Lawrence, in 1966, and they were married on August 4th of that same year. 

Newlyweds Bill and Judy moved to Hyde County, NC, in late 1966.  Miss Judy had two sons, James Earl “Jim” (late wife Cindy), and Walter Braxton “Brad” (wife Kristy), while living in Scranton, North Carolina.  She had five Grandchildren: Daniel O. Conley (wife Katie), Mitchell E. Lawrence (wife Rachel), Eric B. Lawrence (wife Shanna), Alex W. Lawrence (fiancé Kaitlin), Samantha L. Lewis (husband Brandon).  Miss Judy also had four great-grandchildren:  Jocelynn Conley, Shyanne Conley, Riley Lawrence, Kaleb Conley, and she was excited for two more great-granddaughters that are expected in early 2021. 

Miss Judy is survived by her brothers and sisters:  Joyce Scott (husband Joe), James Warner Phipps “Jimmy” (wife Sonia), Walter Clifton Phipps Jr. “Bozo” (wife Susan), Jayne Phipps Boger (husband Randy), Jeffrey Karl Phipps “Jeff” (fiancé Kim). 

Miss Judy was an endeared member of her community and retired from the State of North Carolina after serving as a Forest Service Fire-Tower Operator, and then a Magistrate for the County of Hyde.  She loved to travel across country, catch fish from her pier, flowers and gardening, auctions and the collection of FINE “junque”, red high heeled shoes, and visiting her mountain home in Sparta.  Miss Judy loved spending time with her family most of all. 

A private graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery in Sparta, NC. Following the service, the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Service, Sparta, NC.

A local gathering with friends will be held Sunday, January 24, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lawrence, 201 Lawrence Lane, Scranton, NC

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Vidant Beaufort Hospital, especially to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit that ensured Nana was comfortable for her last days. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pungo Christian Academy located at 983 W. Main St., Belhaven, NC, 27810, in Judy’s name or to a charity of the sender’s choice.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service Swan Quarter.