Judith “Judy” Keel Tunstall Cheshire

Published 10:15 am Monday, June 2, 2025

Judith Ann Keel Tunstall Cheshire of Washington, NC, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Washington, NC, with the Rev. Christopher Adams conducting the service.

Mrs. Cheshire was born Nov. 29, 1948, in Rocky Mount, NC. She was the daughter of the late Willie Ray Keel and Jeanette Rivenbark Keel. She graduated from Tarboro High School in 1967. She graduated from East Carolina University in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics education. In 1973, she received a master’s degree in home economics, specializing in child development and family relations from East Carolina University. In 1994, she earned her certification in counselor education and education administration and supervision from East Carolina University.

She was blessed to share her life with two remarkable men whom she loved dearly and who filled her home with love and support. She and her first husband, Joseph Peyton Tunstall Jr., a cherished partner for 44 years, built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter and family that included three devoted children and eight beautiful grandchildren. Late in life, she was blessed to find love again with her second husband, William Polk Cheshire, with whom she shared nine joyful years and whose steady love and companionship was a cherished gift in her later years that also extended her beautiful family to include his two sons, a daughter and 10 grandchildren.

On August 22, 1970, she married Joe, who preceded her in death on September 9, 2014. The two met at ECU and had a special love story that included working together in the public school system where they took countless children under their wings. Children born to their union were a daughter, Judith “Jenny” Jeannette Tunstall, and sons, Joseph Peyton Tunstall III and Lonnie Abbott Squires Tunstall. Jenny is married to Eugene Lyle Tinklepaugh, and they reside in Rocky Mount, NC. Joseph is married to Lisa Michelle Hyman, and they reside in Rocky Mount, NC. Abbott is married to Hillary Rebecca Bang, and they reside in Washington, NC. She is survived by eight grandchildren who loved her dearly, Lilly Catherine Boone, Emily Bryan Tinklepaugh, Lonnie Abbott Squires Tunstall Jr., Hannah Ross Tinklepaugh, Joseph Peyton Tunstall IV, Anne Haven Tunstall, River Gordon Tunstall and Forrest Lynn Tunstall.

On February 14, 2016, she married Bill, who preceded her in death on December 27, 2024. He was a loving and doting husband who enriched her life in her later years. They made new memories and enjoyed having their large blended family bring joy and laughter to their home during their nine years of marriage.

Other survivors include two sisters-in-law, Sherer M. Keel of Kill Devil Hills, NC, and Martha Tunstall Gravely and husband Charles Stephen Gravely of Washington, NC, a niece, Jena Marsh Keel of Manns Harbor, NC, and three nephews, Charles Stephen Gravely Jr. and wife Tracey of Wilmington, NC, Ross Tunstall Gravely and wife Jennifer of Burlington, NC, and Joshua Lewellyn Keel of Ocracoke, NC. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmie Ray Keel of Tarboro, NC, and an aunt, Doris Keel Davidson of Tampa, FL.

Also surviving are cousins, Charles Bryan Ross and Gayle Clark, Elizabeth Daniels “Libby” Cameron and husband Robbie and Edmund Oman.

Mrs. Cheshire served as the first director of the Beaufort County Developmental Center. She taught at Chocowinity Middle School and was a career development coordinator for Beaufort County Schools and Washington City Schools. In 2001, she became the director of secondary and career technical education for Beaufort County Schools.  She served in various positions in the regional and state Career Technical Education Organization. In 1996, she served as president of the North Carolina Career Technical Education Organization. She retired from Beaufort County Schools with 30 years of service to the children of Beaufort County.

Mrs. Cheshire was a member of the Ramblers Supper Club, the Happy Hour Supper Club, the Tea and Topics Book Club, and the Cottage Girls, a very special group of friends. She served as a Sunday school teacher, youth director, altar guild member and circle member at the First United Methodist Church in Washington, NC. In the last several years, she was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

To celebrate her life, there will be a reception immediately following the service in the parlor of St. Peter’s. Paul Funeral Home will be providing service for the family and accepting floral arrangements.

Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Cheshire family.