Judy Tippette Williford

ROCKY MOUNT – Judy Tippette Williford, age 76, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 24, 2025.  Born in Halifax County, NC on August 2, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Eulie Zeno Tippette and Pearl Duke Tippette.  She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Giles; her brothers, Tony Tippette, Jerry Tippette, Linwood Tippette, Daryl Tippette; and her sisters, Shirley Weaver and Gloria Hill.

Judy was born and raised in Enfield, Halifax County, where her roots of faith and family took deep hold and guided her throughout her life. In her younger years, she and several of her sisters played softball at Eastern Avenue Park in Rocky Mount, where Judy was known for her skill both as a first baseman and a pitcher. Though the girls had to travel from Enfield to Rocky Mount to play, Judy’s love for the game and her competitive spirit made every mile worthwhile. She later retired from Abbott Laboratories after 27 years of dedicated service. Judy and her beloved husband, John, were true homebodies who shared a simple, joyful life together. As longtime members of Shenandoah Baptist Church, Judy served faithfully in several roles, including organizing the church directory and personally sorted Christmas cards—alongside John—to each member’s mailbox every year. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she delighted in decorating and celebrating the season she loved so dearly. A woman of steadfast faith, Judy knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior and lived each day as a reflection of His love and grace.

Judy is survived by her husband of 27 years, John Ravon Williford; her grandchildren, Hunter Giles (Anna) and Dylan; her great-grandchildren, Lucas and Logan; her brother, Leslie Tippette; her sisters, Patsy Cooke and Frances Crisp; her brother-in-law, Harvey “Tom” Williford (Bunny); and her sister-in-law, Susie Williford.

A Graveside Service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Pastor Tim Parker and Rev. Glenn Hill officiating.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the graveside service at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Judy’s memory to Shenandoah Baptist Church, 3894 Shenandoah Drive, Rocky Mount, NC  27803.

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.