Friday, November 14, 2025 9:24 am

Judy Fortenberry Gray, 74, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 12, 2025.

Judy was born February 22, 1951 in Fort Bragg, NC. She is the daughter of the late Robert Chauncy and Annie Belle Fortenberry.

Judy was raised in Shelby, NC but proudly spent her childhood with her large extended family in Casar, NC. Her professional career spanned 42 years at First National Bank where she met and served numerous families in Cleveland County. Judy was an avid cook and baker. Regularly baking her delicious cakes and family famous lasagna. Judy selflessly gave her time to others, by baking, providing a meal, sending a card, calling or visiting for a follow-up or check-in, or volunteering for multiple organizations such as Pilot Club and Cleveland County Hospice. She also served as Mount Zion Baptist Church treasurer. She spent countless hours with her nine grandchildren, all whom adored their Mimi.

Judy is survived by her husband of 51 years, Billy, of the home; her two children: Joey Gray (Alyson) of Kings Mountain, NC and Melissa Kennedy (Andrew) of Hillsborough, NC; nine grandchildren: Stella, John, Emmett, Olivia, Mary-Allen, Ian, Jack, Eleanor and Vivian; one brother, Carl Fortenberry and his wife, Debbie; a special niece, Suzy, as well as many other cousins and extended family.

A funeral service to remember the life of Judy will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 in the Chapel of Stamey-Tysinger with the Rev. Jamie Bridges officiating.

Internment will follow in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm -1:45 pm at the funeral home on Friday prior to the service.

The family asks in Lieu of flowers, donations in Judy's memory may be made to Mt Zion Baptist Church, PO Box 326, Casar, NC 28020 or to VIA Health Partners (Cleveland County Hospice) 951 Wendover Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Fallston.