Judy Autry (Johnson) Sloan

Judy Autry Johnson Sloan, age 84, of Sanford, NC, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025, at her home, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Sampson County, NC on December 22, 1940 to the late John Arington Johnson and Reva Autry Johnson. Judy is survived by her husband, of 65 years, Teddy “Ted” Newton Sloan; brother John Thomas Johnson (Ruby); daughters Norbeth Sloan Brooks (Ronald) and Laurie Sloan Fox (Keith); grandchildren Annie Brooks Carberry (Billy), Ethan Zachary Brooks (Lauren), Kalmer Newton Fox (Isabella), and Joshua Arington Fox (Danae); great-grandchildren Mary Beth and William “Fritz” Carberry, Luka Fox, and Lila Fox.  She also loved her Italian son Mario (Chiara) and his daughter Valentina.  Mario was an exchange student in 1978 and has been a part of the Sloan family since.

Judy was raised on her family’s tobacco farm in Harrells, NC.  She attended Louisburg College where her roommate, Joyce Autry Kelly, introduced her to her husband, Ted.  She and Ted were married on a hot Sunday in July of 1960 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Harrells. They moved to Sanford soon after where she lovingly co-managed Ted’s Flower Basket for more than 25 years. While Ted met with clients and families to craft stunning floral arrangements for life’s most cherished moments, Judy worked quietly behind the scenes, ensuring everything ran smoothly with grace and care.  Judy enjoyed countless summers at Buffalo Lake where she and Ted loved welcoming one and all as family for cookouts, birthday parties, and life celebrations! The lake was also where many good times were shared with her lifelong friend, Rudine Miller.  She will be remembered for her delicious butterbeans, Christmas sugar cookies, and her ability to keep everything spic and span at all times!

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a longtime member of Jonesboro Presbyterian Church and later found spiritual community at Journey Church of Sanford. Her commitment to both congregations reflected her deep sense of service and compassion.

Above all, Judy was a loving wife, a nurturing mother, and a proud Granny and “JJ”. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she cherished.

The family will receive friends at Ted & Judy’s home, 1801 Wicker Street, Apartment 30, Sanford, NC 27330 (Parkview Apartments) as there will be no formal visitation.  A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Shallow Well Church Cemetery with Pastor Misty Mowrey and Pastor Anthony Dell officiating.

The family wants to thank her loving caregivers and Amedysis Hospice for their compassionate care.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judy Autry (Johnson) Sloan, please visit our floral store.