Judy Melton McHan

Judy Melton McHan, 80, of Indian Trail, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Born in Danville, Virginia, Judy grew up in Burlington, North Carolina. She graduated from Walter M. Williams High School in 1963 and went on to become the first in her family to pursue a college education. In 1967, she earned degrees in Elementary Education and English from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Judy began her career teaching third grade before accepting a position with Eastern Airlines, where she met many lifelong friends. During this time, she was set up on a blind date with her future husband, John McHan. The two married on April 1, 1974.

While raising her children, Judy worked as a substitute teacher before later taking a position as an administrative assistant at The Charlotte Observer, where she worked for many years until her retirement in 2009.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and animal lover. After moving to the Indian Trail area more than 40 years ago, she and her husband joined Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, where she was an active member and enjoyed serving with the Ladies Ministry. She adored her two children and took great pride in supporting their academic and extracurricular pursuits-volunteering with the PTA, proofreading countless papers, checking homework, and cheering them on at games and events. She often served as "team mom," spending many hours traveling to practices and competitions.

Her greatest joy in later years came from her two grandchildren, with whom she shared an especially close bond. Judy loved babysitting them, attending their birthday parties, sporting events, and dance recitals, and celebrating every milestone in their lives.

A lifelong animal advocate, Judy loved rescuing pets, nursing them back to health, and giving them a loving home. She often said the purpose of having pets was to spoil them. In her spare time, she enjoyed tennis (and later, pickleball), reading, and working crossword puzzles.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, John McHan; her children, John McHan and Jennifer McHan; her cherished grandchildren, Lucas and Brinlea McHan; her sister, Brenda Coggins (Pete); and nieces and nephews, Kim Love (John), Kevin Coggins (Heather), and Kelly Coggins (Tanya). She also shared a special bond with her sister-in-law, Jane McHan, and cousins Paul Stanley (Sally) and Judy Harris (Calvin).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Eunice Melton.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service in Indian Trail. A private service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union County Animal Shelter in Judy's memory.

Judy's love, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.