Cumberland County Schools' board chairwoman Judy Musgrave dies: 'Devoted public servant'

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Cumberland County community is remembering the legacy of a former educator and school board chairwoman after her passing.

According to a Cumberland County Schools' (CCS) Facebook post, Judy Musgrave died on Saturday. The post didn't give specific information about the cause of her death.

Musgrave retired from the district in 2012 after a distinguished career as an educator and mathematics curriculum leader, the post states. She continued her service after being elected to the school board in 2014. She was an at-large member.

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."