Judy Anne Barbour Pender, age 81, of Four Oaks, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at UNC Rex Hospital under brief hospice care, following heart failure. Though her heart ultimately failed her, her love failed no one.

Born on June 10, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Rubert and Clara Barbour. Judy grew up in Four Oaks and graduated from Four Oaks School in 1963, where she was voted "Best Dressed" in her class superlatives. Following high school, she furthered her education at Hardbarger Business College, developing exceptional typing and shorthand skills that became the foundation of her successful career.

Judy dedicated her professional talents to several local businesses over the years, including the Raleigh Bonded Warehouse, the Johnston County Clerk of Courts in Smithfield, and Benson Baptist Church. She ultimately retired from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) in Garner.

On October 16, 1965, she married her husband, Holice Pender, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage and built a life centered entirely around faith and family.

Judy’s hands held her greatest earthly talent. A gifted musician, she served as a church pianist and organist for most of her adult life, sharing her ministry at both Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church and most recently at Burnell Baptist Church. She filled her home with music almost every day, and her playing was the heart of family gatherings around the piano on Christmas Eve.

In addition to her music, Judy was a dedicated prayer warrior and a seasonal decor extraordinaire who brought joy and beauty to every holiday. Her home was a haven of hospitality, where she cooked countless Sunday lunches and birthday dinners with her family gathered tightly around her table. Her family was truly her treasure, and she embraced her roles first as Mama, and later as Mema and Grandma, with all her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rubert and Clara Barbour, and her sister, Elna Faye Barbour Stewart.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Holice Pender; her three beloved children, Joey Pender (Lori), Jonathan Pender (Lesley), and Jennifer Pender; her four treasured grandchildren, Erin Eissens (Greg), Marissa Voronin (Yegor), Hampton Pender, and Asa Pender; and her three precious great-grandchildren, Liam Eissens, Freyja Voronin, and Ylva Voronin. She is also survived by her brother, James Barbour (Debbie), along with a loving host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM at Rose & Graham

Funeral Home in Four Oaks, North Carolina. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM at the same location, with Pastor Jessie Brock of Burnell Baptist Church officiating.

A graveside service will take place at Hills of the Neuse Memory Gardens in Smithfield, North Carolina immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Burnell Baptist Church, 3720 Old School Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524.