Her passing has left a profound void in the area, with former students and her daughter reflecting on a lifelong commitment to education and mentorship.
Musgrave, who underwent surgery in April after doctors discovered an abnormality, was remembered as much more than a teacher. "I'll never know the weight of the impact that she's had because it was so dense," said her daughter, Keitra Robinson.
"The day before she passed away, she was still talking about what she felt like she needed to do. She wanted to do these workshops for mathematics teachers."
Robinson recalled bringing her mother breakfast the morning of her death, not realizing it would be the last time.
Musgrave is remembered as a mentor, advocate, and leader who inspired generations of students and educators throughout her 40-year career. She started as a math teacher before joining the school board in 2014, where her influence only grew.
"Everybody wanted to go to Ms. Musgrave's class for math," said former student Trey Scott. "When I got to her class, she made the environment easy to absorb, you know, so. So you had the different formulas and different ways that you can do thing."
Musgrave's legacy extended far beyond the classroom. Kia Walker, a former step team member, recalled her as a dedicated coach: "She was a great coach, very clear. She would set her expectations for us at the beginning of each class and we'd better not come in there adding foolish, you know."
Even in her final days, Musgrave remained an advocate for students and schools facing closure.
"It was hard for her to understand how the big picture could not be seen. It seemed so clear to her, and it just was confounding that others couldn't see it as clearly. And so she she she fought from her core," Robinson said.
Robinson believes her mother's determination is her greatest legacy. "I think her message would be it's never too late to build a legacy and to do God work and to do good work."
Musgrave was set to release her first book this past Monday; her family has postponed the publication date to June 29.
Remembering a devoted public servant
Statement from Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy, "Cumberland County Schools has lost a dedicated public servant and a true champion for children. Chairwoman Judy Musgrave devoted her life to helping others as an educator, Board member and community leader. Her legacy is one of service, excellence and care, and we will honor her by continuing the important work she cared so deeply about. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her."
Statement from Jacquelyn Brown, Vice Chairwoman, Cumberland County Board of Education: "Chairwoman Judy Musgrave was a respected leader, a passionate advocate for students and a woman whose life was rooted in service. She led with grace, strength and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives. We are deeply saddened by her passing, and we are grateful for the lasting mark she leaves on Cumberland County Schools and this community."
Statement from Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere: "Yesterday, our community lost a dedicated educator, advocate, and public servant with the passing of School Board Chair Judy Musgrave. Ms. Musgrave devoted more than four decades to the students and schools of Cumberland County. She spent her life investing in young people and working to ensure that every child had the opportunity to succeed."
Those who knew Judy understood that her service was never about recognition. It was about making a difference. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape lives for generations.
As the parent of a child in Cumberland County Schools, I am personally grateful for leaders like Judy who gave so much so that our children could have more. Every family in this county has benefited from her decades of steady, faithful work, whether they knew her name or not. That is the truest measure of a life spent in service to others.
On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Judy Musgrave, and to the entire Cumberland County Schools community. We are grateful for her years of service and for the countless lives she touched. She will be greatly missed, but her contributions to our community will not be forgotten."
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