Judy Sharon Phipps Lawrence

Published 8:08 am Monday, January 25, 2021

Judy Sharon Phipps Lawrence, 74, of Scranton, died Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 at Vidant Beaufort Hospital, Washington, N.C.

Better known as Nana to her family, she was born in Winston-Salem on May 18, 1946 to Walter Clifton Phipps and Wilma Hampton Phipps. She spent her childhood in the mountains of Sparta in Allegheny County. Her family later moved to Davie and then Iredell County where she graduated high school in 1964. She met William Earl “Bill” Lawrence in 1966, and they were married on Aug. 4 of that year. The newlyweds moved to Hyde County in late 1966.

Survivors: 2 sons, James Earl “Jim” (late wife Cindy), and Walter Braxton “Brad” (Kristy); 5 grandchildren, Daniel O. Conley (Katie), Mitchell E. Lawrence (Rachel), Eric B. Lawrence (Shanna), Alex W. Lawrence (fiancé Kaitlin), Samantha L. Lewis (Brandon); 4 great-grandchildren, Jocelynn Conley, Shyanne Conley, Riley Lawrence, Kaleb Conley, and 2 more great-granddaughters expected in early 2021; brothers and sisters, Joyce Scott (Joe), James Warner “Jimmy” Phipps (Sonia), Walter Clifton “Bozo” Phipps Jr. (Susan), Jayne Phipps Boger (Randy), and Jeffrey Karl “Jeff” Phipps (fiancé Kim).

She was an endeared member of her community and retired from the State of North Carolina after serving as a forest service fire-tower operator, and then a magistrate for the County of Hyde. She loved to travel across country, catch fish from her pier, flowers and gardening, auctions and the collection of fine “junque”, red high heeled shoes, and visiting her mountain home in Sparta. She loved spending time with family most of all.

A private graveside service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 26 at Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery in Sparta. Following the service, the family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Service in Sparta.

A local gathering with friends will be held Sunday, Jan. 24 from 2-4 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lawrence, 201 Lawrence Lane, Scranton.

Memorials: Pungo Christian Academy, 983 W. Main St., Belhaven, 27810; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences: www.thomasfamilyfs.com.