Judith Phillips Hatcher

With great sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Judith Phillips Hatcher. Judy died in the wee hours of a full-moon Easter Sunday, surrounded by the love of her husband and daughters. 

Judy was born in Lumberton, NC on August 4th, 1942, daughter of the late Rowland Phillips and Martha Inman Phillips. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Wade, her brother Rowland Phillips, her daughters Rebecca and Marcia, grandchildren Ellery and Calder, and granddogs Matilda and Hank. 

She dedicated herself to her community at First Baptist Church, where she served on the bereavement, stewardship, and music committees and played in the Handbell Choir. A member of the Pilot Club, her generous donations of time and energy will be remembered by all those she touched in service and friendship. 

Judy was a schoolteacher for 30+ years and shaped the lives of countless children. Happiest on the go, she enjoyed cruises and traveling to places near and far.  She loved walks on the beach and was game to hike anywhere the granddogs wanted to go. 

An avid gardener, she enjoyed planting colorful annuals and perennials. Her yard work supervising skills were unparalleled, and her 20-year tomato yield challenge with Wade has ended in a draw. 

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Laurinburg at 11am on Saturday, April 23. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. All attendees are requested to wear masks so that more vulnerable family members can safely attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to Church Community Services, 108 Gill Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352 (or online at https://scccs2016.wordpress.com).