Benjean Utley Judd, 64, of Holly Springs, North Carolina, peacefully departed this life surrounded by the love of her family on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Benjean was born to the late Sidney Lewis Utley and Loretta Bullock Utley. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond Lewis Utley and Lorenzo Utley. She was educated in the Wake County Public School System and graduated from Cary High School System, where she faithfully worked as both a school bus driver and a Child Nutrition Services employee. Through her work, she touched the lives of countless children and families with her kindness and caring spirit.
A devoted woman of God, Benjean was known for her loving heart, generous nature, and willingness to help anyone in need. She found joy in serving others and was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her unwavering faith and compassionate spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved husband of more than 30 years, Bobby Lee Judd of Apex, NC; her devoted daughter, Tenika Utley of Willow Spring, NC; her cherished grandson, Christian Ty Utley of Holly Springs, NC; her stepson, Bobby D. Judd.
She is also survived by her sisters, Barbarette Dunn (Roderick) of Holly Springs, NC; and Nashonda McNeil (Alfonzo) of Clayton, NC; her brothers, Henry Hickson (Mary) of Oakfield, Georgia, Melvin Utley (Jeanette) of Holly Springs, NC; Joel Utley of Apex, NC; and James Utley (Pamela) of Apex, NC. As well as a special brother, Steve Bobbitt of Raleigh, NC. She is survived by her cherished aunts, Lila B. Leslie of Holly Springs, NC, and Hazeline Bullock of Raleigh, NC, whose love and memories of her will remain forever in their hearts.
She also leaves to cherish her memory her brothers-in-law, Stevie Scott, Perry Scott, Clifton Scott, Ricky Judd and Terry Judd; her sister-in-law, Betty Judd; along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Benjean's legacy of unwavering faith, kindness, generosity, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of grace, service, and unconditional love. Though she is no longer with us, her beautiful example will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. Her memory will forever be a source of comfort, inspiration, and love.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Douglas Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 201 Douglas Street in Holly Springs, NC 27540.
Send flowers to the service of Benjean Utley-Judd
Love you Auntie Ben Jean! Your boy Mayjer!
My heart is truly saddened by your passing. Thank you for the kindness and love you always showed my babies during church service. Your gentle spirit, contagious smile, and caring heart never went unnoticed, and I will always be grateful for the way you served others with such joy. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel, and you've earned your wings. May you rest peacefully in the loving arms of the Lord. I will always cherish the memories and wonderful times that we've had. My prayers are with Mr. Bob, family, friends, and church family during this difficult time. Fly high, beautiful soul! You will be deeply missed but never forgotten!
Sorry for your loss. Ben Jean was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed. Sleep on sweet lady.
Our condolences to the Utley /Judd family. May God continue to comfort & bless you. Marilyn McClain Snelling & Dianna McClain
To the Judd/Utley family. I was so sorry to hear about the homegoing of Benjean and you have my sincerest condolences. May the love and peace of God sustain you as you go through this difficult time. Love to the family.
Praying for peace as you grieve the loss of Benjean. She will truly be missed. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
My condolences to the Utley family and the Judd family am so sorry about Benjean,she was a real sweet woman,had a sweet smile ,was always smiling whenever I seen her.She was a nice sweet friend to me,I meet her when she was working in the school system,in the Cafeteria,and she drove buses too at the time She was a sweet friend and she was alway the same when i seen her ,and whenever i would talk to her on the telephone Am good to miss her 😢💔😞Rest well my friend.God got another Angle in his home.💔💔
Condolences to the family in the loss of your loved one who radiated the Love of God to everyone she encountered. May the Peace of God keep you all today and the days to come. Harrison & Dorothy Easton and Family.
My sincere condolences and prayers to the family of BenJean Utley Judd. God knew your body was ready for that new heavenly body,so he took you home. You were ready but your family and friends were not,but thank God for the time he allowed you here on earth to spread such JOY N LOVE.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR YOUR HEART,WHICH CARRIED AND SPREADED THE LOVE OF JESUS.
Sincerest condolences, may you rest peacefully in paradise.
My Condolences 🙏 to the family of the Benjean, I am so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you and our prayers 🙏 ❤️ please know that God is with you and has his arms 🙏 around you 🙏 ❤️
Sending my deepest condolences to the Utley family
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. My heart goes out to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. Wishing you strength, comfort and, peace in the days ahead
May God give the Family the strength needed at this time and in the days to come.
My condolences to the family. May God grant you the strength to endure during this difficult time.
My condolences to the family of my family too
We are sending our deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Utley & Judd family Benjean had a sweet & loving spirit we worked together for years @ Wcpss, she will be truly missed, sending our prayers to the entire family may God continue to comfort you during this difficult time George & Paula Ward
Sending our condolence and prayers to the family!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Condolences and Prayers to the Utley & Judd Family ...
Sending our condolence and prayers
Benjean Utley you will be truly be miss by your friend Candy Bracey. I'm gonna miss seeing that smiling face coming through the salon doors your phone calls to me your visit to my house, our lunch's together the memories we've made together they are deep down in my heart cannot be taken away and they all were beautiful. You were the first friend I had when I moved to North Carolina from New Jersey its been over 50 years, you sleep on sleeping beauty you take your rest until we meet again I I will always love you. You are in my heart Candy.
Condolences goes out to you the family of BenGean Utley! She was always nice to me when we worked at Kelloggs, I'm praying for God' grace, mercy, love, peace and comfort on you in every way! Amen Elder Berma J Farrar Lee
My Sincere Condolences to the Family from Constance Hayes and family
Sorry for your loss. Your family and ours have always been connected. May God give you peace and strength to heal from your loss. We share your pain.
Our hearts go out to the family, friends and community of Mrs. BenJean Utley. We are thankful to God and to her family for allowing her to provide 20 plus years of service to WCPSS as a Professional Bus Driver, before her retirement. We Thank God for the love and support that she showed through service to all of the schools staff, students, and her work family. May her love, laughter and legacy live on in your hearts as God carries and comfort you along your journey. BenJean - Thank you for your service-Well Done- Rest in Peace.
In Loving Memory of Sister BenJean Utley Judd
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." — Psalm 116:15
Though words can never fully capture the depth of a life well lived, we thank God for the gift of Sister BenJean. Her life was a testimony of faith, strength, grace, and devotion. She understood that true riches are not found in earthly possessions but in a life surrendered to God, a heart filled with love, and a spirit committed to serving others.
To the Utley and Judd families, please know that Sister BenJean leaves behind a legacy that death cannot erase. Her love remains in the memories she created, her wisdom remains in the lives she influenced, and her faith remains in the example she set for generations to come.
May GOD wrap HIS loving arms around you in this season of grief. May HE comfort every tear, calm every anxious heart, and grant peace that surpasses all understanding. And may the memories of Sister BenJean bring not only tears of sadness but also smiles of thanksgiving for the blessing she gave to all who knew her.
My Sister's race has been run. Her labor is finished. Her faith has become sight. Her prayers have become praise. Her earthly journey has ended, but her eternal life has just begun.
On behalf of all who loved her, we celebrate a life that mattered, a faith that endured, and a legacy that will continue to inspire the Utley and Judd families for years to come.
May God comfort and sustain each of you in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy, prayers, and Christian love,
"Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal."
"Until we meet again" Much love and Amen. ♥️🙏🏾
I Send My Deepest Condolences out to the Utley& Judd family in the Loss of Ben Jean she was such a beautiful, kindest, sweetheart of a woman to me when she and I spoke and Hug the last time we saw each other. RIP BEAUTIFUL SOUL.....
Resting in God's Arms. I'm Praying for the Family, Stay Strong. GOD IS GOOD, STILL. Trena Leach Monroe
Condolences and prayers for my family.
So sorry to hear of Benjean passing she was a sweet person always the same she will truly be missed To be absent from the Body is to be present with the Lord when we serve the one and only true God we are in a win win situation Be blessed Family you are in my prayers
Sending my condolences to the Judd & Utley family. BenJean was a sweetheart with a very big heart. She will be missed by everyone that came in contact with her especially that smile.
Lifting prayers of comfort for the family during this season. May love and peace be your portion always.
"Sending you love and strength as you navigate through this heartbreaking moment. My condolences to you and your family."
My deepest condolences to the Utley and Judd family, she was a remarkable woman and she will be missed❤️
I extend my sincerest condolences to the family. May God comfort you at this time.
My prayers are with the Judd & Utley family during the loss of there love one i work with BenJean for many years of Busdriver She truly was good to me my heart is saddened by her loss I know God has gained a angel may God keep you all in his loving arms. Teresa Ballentine Hollysprings Busdriver
We will always remember the kindness and happiness Ms BenJean shared in this world. To be absent from the body is to be in the present of the Lord.
I was just talking about you yesterday with Uncle Richard and I was riding down the street and I saw the text. Instantly all the memories I ever had of you hit me like a storm.My heart hurts for Net . For loosing a mother is a life changing event. You were such a sweet light to this world. May you rest in gentle peace with our father.
An angel on earth, and I had the pleasure of meeting her through another beautiful soul. I love y'all ladies and I pray the family strength overtop of strength.
Sending my condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Sending prayers and blessings to the Utley family
Sending our condolences and love to the family. Beautiful woman inside and out. May God continue to bless, keep and strengthen you all. Darry & Lesa
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the family. May God give you strength, comfort, and peace as you grieve the loss of your loved one. Keeping you all lifted in prayer.
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to all of Ms. BenJean's family and friends. A woman of many words and a big personality. Rest well, Ms.BenJean. ❤️ Rene
Sending my deepest condolences & sympathy to the family of Benjean Utley. She was one of a kind. When GOD created Benjean he made sure her blueprint couldn't be copied. There will be no other like her.She was a true friend indeed & a sister in Christ to me.I was looking forward on coming to sit with you again Tuesday before my physical therapy but GOD needed you most.I will hold on to all the memories we shared together, all the phone calls, visits, having lunch together. Benjean was a true believer in GOD & was very dedicated member in church. She will truly be missed. I will continue to hold Benjean close to my heart & the strong voice she carried will never fade away. I love you Benjean. My sister in Christ!!!❤️🙏🏽❤️
Sending my deepest prayers and condolences to BenJean's family and friends. She was an extra special and sweet individual. She will be greatly missed.
Sending my condolences to the family of Benjean. You all are in prayers.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.