Judith Hairfield Petrie

Following a lengthy illness, Judith Hairfield Petrie, beloved wife of Bill and devoted mother to Matt and Dana, died peacefully at home on February 8.  She was born on April 15,1944 in Morganton, North Carolina to Catherine and James Hairfield, people who predeceased her, as did her only brother, Jimmy.

After graduating from Appalachian Teachers’ College in 1966, where she said she had to  “trudge through the snow in a dress,” she married her high school sweetheart and they began their creative life journey together. They were married 57 years.

From her parents Judy inherited incredible artistic ability, and it was evident in every part of her life. She was the originator of Carolina Cameo, her unique painting style which resulted in exquisite pottery pieces with extraordinary details. Inspired by Walter Stephen, she employed this process for more than 50 years.  Her bowls, plates, mugs, and especially her prized eggs, were highly collectible. Even late in life, she wished to have a paintbrush in her hands. 

Judy was a lifelong, knowledgeable collector of North Carolina pottery and textiles, especially historic quilts, and Stewart Nye jewelry.  She celebrated the inherent beauty of many art forms, even in her garden sculptures and the Face Jug wall pockets hanging by her front door.

She loved to cook for her family and friends, once remarking that “cooking is one of the fine arts… A magic carpet to making others happy.”  Her recipes are legendary and her "spaghetti and burned butter" with filet mignon was a Saturday tradition in her family.

Judy was the most generous friend to many, sharing her treasures freely. You could never visit the Petrie home without leaving with a handful of gifts, her precious pieces of art.

A member of Rumple Presbyterian Church and a founding member of the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, Judy relished the artistic culture surrounding her in Blowing Rock. She also loved her shih tzu puppies, Hazel and Muggsy, and a well-manicured hand.

She was a work of art herself and will be missed by many.

The graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Forest Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Scott Oxford officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Watauga Humane Society.  The family will hold a private celebration of Judy’s life at a time to be determined.

The family wishes to thank Med Home Hospice for the excellent care they gave during this time.