Concord, NC - Judith Kay Hanks Heflin 80, formerly of Gary, WV, and later, Charleston, WV, and Concord, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after complications from a fall.

Judi lived a life defined by perseverance, compassion, curiosity, and joy. She was a proud Gary Coal Digger who never forgot her McDowell County roots and treasured reconnecting with old friends at class reunions. Her boundless energy, radiant kindness, and genuine interest in others left a lasting

impression on everyone she met.

Her work always centered on helping others and strengthening her community, including the American Heart Association, WV DHHR Office of Child and Maternal Health, and many others. Judi delighted in life's simple pleasures: sunny days, the beach, Hallmark movies, traveling, Elvis music, banana popsicles, parlay cards and WVU Mountaineer sports. She approached life with a zest that was unmistakably her own.

Born February 18, 1946, she was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Lee Hanks and Mabel "Tommy" Tomblin; her sisters, Patricia Hanks Dishman of Gary, WV, and Carolyn Hanks Larj of Wapakoneta, OH; and by the father of her children, Robert Heflin of Bishop, WV and Point Marion, PA.

A devoted mother, left to honor her memory are Cheri Heflin Callaghan (Mike) of Southport, NC, Lori Heflin Austin of Charlotte, NC, Robert "Bobby" Heflin II (Briana Simmons) of Morgantown, WV, Kriste Heflin of Concord, NC,and Brandy Heflin (Kormah Padgett) of Charleston, WV, as well as 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Consistent with her wishes, Judi was cremated. A covered dish gathering for friends and family will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12:30 at the Bluefield City Park. A private remembrance will be held prior to lunch at Woodlawn Cemetery.