Judith "Judy" Peel

1940 - 2025

Judith "Judy" (Whitehurst) Peel Elizabeth City - Judith "Judy" Whitehurst Peel, age 84, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died at her home in Elizabeth City, NC, on September 13, 2025. Born in Bethel, NC, on November 2, 1940, to the late Grover Cleveland Whitehurst and Addie Evelyn Davis Whitehurst, she was the widow of J. Stanley Peel.

Judy attended Atlantic Christian College, but was a converted UNC Tarheel fan due to her late husband and daughters. She worked at Wachovia Bank in Bethel for a while and that is where she met her husband, the love of her life. Judy was a long standing and dedicated member of First United Methodist Church, where she served in many capacities over the years. She was the epitome of a true southern lady, a fabulous cook, and her oyster dressing will certainly be missed. Her life was fulfilled being a mother and grandmother.

Judy is survived by her two beloved daughters, Melanie Blackford and her two sons, Bodie Blackford and Layne Blackford, and Lou Ellen Sanders, her husband, Joel, and their son, John Stanley Sanders; and a cousin, Janie Manning, who was more like a sister to her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Twiford Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Benny Oakes officiating. A visitation will take place from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 (www.cancer.org/donate.html) or First United Methodist Church, 201S. Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 (bethanywaltz@acfumc.local).

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Peel Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.