Judy Kelly Clark

ROCKY MOUNT – Judy Kelly Clark, age 80, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026.  Born in Edgecombe County, NC on February 8, 1945, she was the daughter of the late James Levan Kelly, Sr. and Gladys Coley Kelly.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Robert “Bobby” Stancil Clark; her two grandchildren; her one great-grandchild; and her brother, James “Jimmy” Levan Kelly, Jr.

Judy was known for her unmistakable style and lively spirit.  Her hair was always done, her nails always polished, and her sassy personality could light up any room.  She loved shopping at Belk’s and had a special talent in the Bakery during her years at Food Lion, where she made wedding cakes that were both beautiful and widely admired.  Above all else, Judy adored her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, with a particular soft spot for the babies.  Once you made it past childhood, though, you knew you were on your own, as she liked to joke.  A true jokester, she loved to laugh and bring joy to those around her.  Judy was a longtime member of Avalon Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing in her spare time.  She also had a fondness for thrifting, whether browsing local thrift shops or scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, always excited to say, “Hey, look what I can buy.” Her joy for life, humor, and love for her family will be deeply missed.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Judith Lynn Corbett and Nancy Kay Rose and husband, Scott; her sons, William Kenneth “Ken” Ferrell and wife, Lynn, Troy “Pete” Davis and wife, Penny, and Tracy Stancil Clark; her 16 grandchildren; her 17 great-grandchildren; her great great-granddaughter; her sister, Sue Kelly Lewis and husband, Thurman; her brother, Daniel “Dan” Ray Kelly and wife, Benda; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Kenneth D. Benton officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Scott and Nancy Rose.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Judy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.