Judith Leigh Ancarana

ROCKY MOUNT – Judith Leigh Ancarana, age 49, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025.  She was born in New City, NY on July 21, 1975.  She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Clayton Ancarana, Jr.

From a young age, Judith’s greatest love was horses.  In her late teens and early twenties, she began showing horses, quickly proving that size was no limitation to her gift. She had an extraordinary way with them — a true horse whisperer.  They responded to her with trust and obedience, following her every command with grace and precision.  She also competed in barrel racing, demonstrating both skill and passion in the sport she loved.  No matter what challenges life placed before her, Judith faced them with unwavering strength and determination.  She never backed down, always pushing forward with resilience and grace.  To know Judith was to know someone truly beautiful, inside and out—a soul full of warmth, strength, and an enduring love for the world around her.

Judith is survived by her mother, Anita Lucille Randall Ancarana; her brothers, Paul “Edwin” Ancarana and wife, Anne Marie, and Michael William Ancarana and wife, Elizabeth; and her nephews, Britain Ancarana, Wade Ancarana, Paul Ancarana, and William Ancarana.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Judith’s life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at New Sharon Church, 1601 New Sharon Church, 1601 New Sharon Church Road, Hillsborough, NC  27278.  Burial will follow the service at New Sharon Church Cemetery.  A visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of New Sharon Church.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Judith’s memory to The Foundation for Shackleford Horses, 306 Golden Farm Road, Beaufort, NC  28516.

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.