LAURINBURG — Judith Johnston Carter, 87, formerly of Wilmington, died on Jan. 22, 2013, at Scotia Village.

Judith was born on Oct. 4, 1926 in Wilmington, daughter of the late Leslie N. Johnston and Lottie Kerr Johnston. Her husband Ralph Edward Carter, Jr., son-in-law Billy Smith, brothers Joseph George Johnston and Thomas P. Johnston, and sisters Margaret Louise Johnston, Kathleen Cottle, Carolina Burris, and Ann Bell preceded her in death.

A lifelong Wilmington resident, Judy graduated from New Hanover High School in 1945 and was a runner up in the Miss Wilmington pageant in her younger years. She married Ed Carter in 1947 and moved to Chapel Hill where, in her words, she earned her PHT degree (Putting the Husband Through). She worked at the NC Press while Ed attended school. They returned to Wilmington in 1951 and opened Carter's Pharmacy in 1958. She helped out in the drug store while raising their three children. Through the years she was a member of the Women's Pharmacy Auxiliary, Republican Women's Club, NC Junior Sorosis, BPO Does, and Methodist Women's Club.

Judy was a true southern lady whose greatest joy was her family. She was always taking care of someone. Always quick to smile and offer you something to eat or drink. She loved to entertain, talk about her children and help with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her three children: Debra Jean Carter of Kings Mountain, Ralph Edward Carter, III (Sandra) of Laurinburg, and Kathie Carter Heath (Ray) of Wilmington, seven grandchildren: Julie Weaver (Brian), Megan Smith Davies (Erik), Whitney Lane Sox (Jeff), Deeann Carter Coe (Doug), Jonathan Edward Carter (Julia), Robin Quinn Brooks, and David McKnight Carter, 11 great-grandchildren: Kali and Lily Weaver, Max and Mia Davies, Carson and Brody Sox, Ben, Natalie, Lucy, and Charlotte Coe, and Sofia Carter, and brother Leslie N. Johnston of Tulsa, Okla.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington with the Rev. Bob Bauman and the Rev. Scott Dodson officiating. The family will receive friends, at the church, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Judith's memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 401 Grace Street, Wilmington, NC 28401, or to the Paul Anderson Youth Home, PO Box 525, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Condolences to the family may be made at andrewsmortuary.com.

Andrews Mortuary is serving the family.