Judith (Judy) Pope Harrelson passed away peacefully at her home as the sun rose on Sunday morning, June 22, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Napoleon Pope and Nida Means Elliott Pope, her brothers Hugh Pope and Walter Pope, and her husband, Dr. Michael Asbury Harrelson. She is survived by her brother, Michael Pope (Earla) of Wilmington, N.C., sons Kent (Leslie) Harrelson of Dalton, Ga., Bill Harrelson of Boiling Springs, N.C. and Robert (Amy) Harrelson of Shelby, N.C., grandson John Harrelson of Dalton, Ga., and granddaughter Rio Harrelson of Dayton, Ohio.


Judy loved children and teaching. Her career as a N.C. public school teacher spanned 30 years, during most of which she served as librarian at Boiling Springs Elementary school. Judy had a talent for storytelling, and inspired kids with her engaging book reads. She also taught children in Sunday School at Boiling Springs Baptist Church, and of course she was a teacher to her own.


Music was an essential part of Judy's life and personality; she had a beautiful soprano voice and was an accomplished pianist. She used her talents in her church choir, but she most loved singing to children. Judy's own children grew up in a house filled with music.


Judy was strong-willed and able to cope with tragedy. Despite the loss of her father at a young age, Judy excelled at academics. She earned awards and honors, graduating Waco High School as class valedictorian in 1956. She went on to earn her B.S. at Appalachian State Teacher's College in 1960, and her Master of Library Science at Appalachian State University in 1984.


While at Appalachian, Judy began to date the love of her life, Michael Harrelson; they were married in 1960 at Waco Baptist Church. The greatest tragedy of her life occurred in 1983 with the loss of Michael in a car accident. Nevertheless, Judy persevered with faith and with her own strength, raising three boys by herself. Judy never remarried, unable to replace her beloved Mike.


A lover of God's Creation, Judy's back yard was a refuge to any animal passing through. Birds and butterflies were treated especially well, provided with food and fresh water. Her garden of zinnias, always filled with monarch butterflies, was legendary among her friends and neighbors. Other animals, whether skunk, deer or anything in between, delighted Judy.


Judy was a skilled bridge player, and a member of several bridge groups. And, of course, she was an avid reader of any kind of book.


The family wants to thank Judy's in-home caregivers, Faye Ussery and Jesica Hopper, for their loving and patient care, as well as to the staff at Atrium. The family also extends our deepest gratitude to Hospice members Marie Bell, Susanne Poston, and especially Joanie Mabry.


Contributions can be made to Via Health Partners of Cleveland Co. (951 Westover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150), or to Boiling Springs Baptist Church (P.O. Box 917, Boiling Springs, NC 28017).

Receiving of friends will take place on Friday, June 27 from 1-2 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m., both at Boiling Springs Baptist Church.

A graveside service will be held the same day at 4 p.m. at St. Paul Church, 2622 New Prospect Church Rd., Shelby.

Online condolences may be shared at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.