Judith Davis Goodwin

Judith Davis Goodwin, age 66, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025 after a courageous, 15 month battle with small cell lung cancer.  Born April 5, 1959 in Plattsburgh, New York, she was the daughter of Gloria Davis and the late Roland Davis.  Following a brief residence in New York, her family moved to Carthage, North Carolina and finally to Smithfield, where Judy lived the rest of her life.  

Judy’s greatest joy came as mother to her two daughters, Sarah and Kelly, and grandmother to granddaughter Mikayla.  Throughout their childhood, Judy was a frequent volunteer in their classrooms, Girl Scout troop leader, softball coach, youth group trip chaperone, and host of many slumber parties. She worked hard to ensure that her girls had every opportunity, and to show them that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to.  She was a devoted mother who loved her children unconditionally.

Judy always had a project or two in the works or in mind, and she took pride in seeing her vision come to life, whether in creating a dollhouse for her girls, developing concepts for items to sell and bringing those visions to life, or in working in her beautiful flower gardens; especially in her daylilies.

Judy never met a stranger and always spoke to everyone she saw.  Always ready to lend a hand to someone in need, Judy was generous with her time, whether that was in devoting extra time to the students in her special needs class at Smithfield Middle School, going the extra mile to mentor the participants in her afterschool program and create opportunities for her residents at Smithfield Housing Authority, or volunteering to spend time helping a coworker’s child learn how to read.  Judy frequently shared her desire that people simply be kind to each other and set that example for everyone she met.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Sarah and Kelly Edwards; granddaughter, Mikayla Leonard; mother, Gloria Davis; brothers Duane Davis and Jerry (Mary) Davis; sisters Leslie Davis and Amy (Curtis) Stanley; niece Kaitlyn Davis; nephews Justin Davis and Jared Davis; great niece Mandy Davis; and great nephew Nicholas Davis. She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Judy’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at REX Hematology Oncology Associates in Garner, Antoinette, Toni, Ashley, Jenny, and Alejandra at Heartland Hospice, and the staff at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield for the excellent care and support that they provided to Judy and the family during her illness.

At Judy’s request, there will be a private gathering for the family at the beach.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, please honor her memory by performing an act of service for someone around you.  If you would like to share the way you’ve chosen to honor her with her family, please do so by emailing judydgoodwin@gmail.com.  Let her legacy live on in every kindness shared.