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Portia J Hardy

Passed 08/15/2026

Obituary For Portia J Hardy

Portia Jean passed peacefully at home on August 15, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by love, resilience, strength, and an unforgettable spirit.

Born to Louise Demps and Nathaniel Judd, Portia was also blessed with the love and presence of TJ Demps, who loved her as his own.

Portia proudly embraced her journey as a cancer survivor, facing it with remarkable strength and grace. Through that journey came unshakable faith and transformation. After a lifetime of often putting others before herself, she found her voice and a new freedom to simply be herself. Awkward, stylish, funny and unapologetic.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristol "Kris" Woodard, who was her caregiver, protector, and constant presence in her final years, and daughter, Kesha Woodard; grandchildren, Chase Woodard and Christopher Brown; and two special women who proved that family and sisterhood is defined by love and presence, Leola McKinley and Bettina Osbourne. She also shared a special and immediate bond with her dear friend Broderick Smiley.

She leaves behind her beloved granddog and napping partner Champ, while Sterling and Sace anxiously await her arrival at the gate.

Portia left this life more fully herself no longer bound by fear, expectations, illness, hurt or anyone else's definition of who she should be. She is finally and completely FREE. Free to tend her garden, pull her weeds, and feel the grass under her feet again..

The family will be celebrating her life with a private ceremony.

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Condolences & Tributes

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I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.

Rev. Alice Hardy Oioh. Johnson nson

Sad to hear of the loss of Portia. I worked with her at Fuquay-Varina High School. She was a good worker and a good person. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anna Saylor

DWINSTON-BAILEY

DWINSTON-BAILEY

To the Hardy/ Judd family. I was so sorry to hear about the homegoing of Portia and you all have my deepest condolences during this time of bereavement. Portia and I worked at Fuquay Varina High school for many years and she was a pillar of strength for the children. May God's continued blessings be with you now and in the days to come. Love to the family.

Clarese McLean Howard

My sincere condolences to the family. God bless you and may He continue to keep you.

Vanessa Womble

My sincere condolences to the entire family. May God strengthen you during your loss. Jean Burt Mangum

Jean Burt Mangum

My sincere condolences to the Hardy and Judd Families. Melvin, you are in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers.

Orlean Burt Newton

0rlean Burt Newton

Deepest sympathy to the Hardy family, I shared many laughs with Portia at Fuquay High School as coworkers. She leaves a lasting memory and was a very nice lady. Joan Wortham

Joan Wortham

To the Hardy family I offer my condolences

Bonnie Koonce

To my Cousin Melvin Judd you have my deepest sympathy for the passing of your Dear Sister and my Cousin Portia. Geneva Burt Chesley.

Geneva Burt Chesley

My condolences and prayers to the family 🙏

Sudie Chavis

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of bereavement. Portia is engrained in the life of all of us who are members of the Davis Inspirational Choir which she was a faithful member of for years.She will live in our hearts for years to come. Our prayers are with you and we are here with you. The Wright Family 🙏

Rev Brian E Wright

Sending condolences to the Portia Judd Hardy family. May God grant you comfort, strength, and peace, during this difficult time. Falton & Varetta Judd

Falton and Varetta Judd

My true friend 💓 and a woman of her word. I was blessed to be "entered" in her life and I'm so thankful. Words can't describe her, because she was one of God's pressures "Designed Woman" that made God smile.

Thank You God for blessing me to be her friend.

Angel Neatrice

La'Vern Wiggins

My condolences to the family of Mrs Hardy. I had the pleasure of working with her 8 years at Fuquay-Varina High School and after her retirement I had the opportunity to have lunch with her a few times and share some laughs. I always looked forward to hearing the joy in her voice when I would call her on her birthday. Rest in peace my dear friend. Curtis Davis

Curtis Davis

To the love ones and family members of Portia, my heart felt condolences.I worked in the same department with Portia for quite a few years she had the most sweetest spirit and so much wisdom.

Betty Williams

I light this white candle with special memories shared with Portia as a classmate. I extend to the Judd and Hardy families my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers. Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal. Humbly submitted,

Reverend Dr. Mary Heggie

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Portia. We worked together at ITT/ALCATEL. My prayers 🙏🏽 are with the family at this time

Carolyn Williams

Melvin Judd and Family, I will keep you in my thoughts and Prayers.

Jessie Dewar

It was with heartfelt sadness to hear of the passing of Portia. She was a long time co worker at ITT/Alcatel where we 1st Met. May the Lord keep the Judd and Hardy families in perfect peace. With Sympathy. Brenda Davis

Brenda Davis

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Kesha Woodard and family on the transition of your mother and grandmother. May the angels welcome her home to be with the Lord.

Tamara Brooks-Barnes

Prayers for the Judd & Hardy families

Juanita Bright

Our sincere condolences to the family. We are deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one.She was a wonderful person. We met her while working at ITT(Alcatel)She was a very sweet person and kind. We will continue to keep your family and love ones and our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength and coverage.

Frankie and Genis Baldwin

My prayers and condolences to the family. Rest in peace ❤️

Everine Whitaker

Sorry to hear Mrs.Portia passed away.

Sherwood Newkirk

Sherwood Newkirk

I was saddened to hear that Ms. Portia had passed. Portia lived across the street from me. She was very kind and a good neighbor. I enjoyed watching her take care of her yard and beautiful flowers. We will miss her quiet and kind presence in the neighborhood. We extend our deepest condolences to her family. May God give you the strength, peace, and comfort you need during this difficult time.

Bobby and Tammi Jones

For a number of years Portia and her family was my neighbor here on Longfellow Street. Portia was a good and friendly neighbor and could be seen often working in her yard. My sister and I were deeply saddened to hear of her passing. May God surround the family with his grace and mercy as you mourn her passing.

Mamie Mckoy Richardson

Our condolences to the Judd and Hardy families in the passing of Portia.

Elder Edward Tony Lucas

SBecoat

SB

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.