Judy Musgrave, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Education and a longtime educator in the county, died on Saturday. She was 77.
Cumberland County Schools, in a statement released Sunday, described her as a “lifelong educator and devoted public servant” whose impact on Cumberland County schools spanned decades. The district did not provide additional details on Musgrave’s cause of death.
According to the district, Musgrave retired from the Cumberland school district in 2012 after a distinguished career as an educator and mathematics curriculum leader. Two years later, in 2014, she won election to an at-large seat on the school board, where she served for more than a decade and later became chair. Musgrave received the most votes in a 10-person field in the 2014 election. She won school board elections again in 2018 and 2022.
In a statement released Sunday, Vice Chair Jacquelyn Brown remembered Musgrave as a leader deeply committed to students and public service.
“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,” Brown said. “We are deeply saddened by her passing, and we are grateful for the lasting mark she leaves on Cumberland County Schools and this community.”
Superintendent Eric Bracy also reflected on Musgrave’s impact in the district.
“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,” Bracy said. 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.”
In a statement shared Sunday, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chair Kirk deViere said Musgrave’s decades of service helped shape generations of students and families across Cumberland County.
“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,” deViere said. “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.”
As news of Musgrave’s death spread over the weekend, community members and former students began sharing memories online, with many remembering her not only for her leadership on the school board, but for her years in the classroom. Several former students described Musgrave as a mentor and dedicated educator whose impact extended far beyond her years of public service.
The district said Musgrave was recognized throughout her life for contributions to education, civic engagement, and public service, including being honored by the National Alumni Association of Shaw University as a “Living Legend.”
Musgrave was absent from several major school board meetings dating back to late March, including the board’s May 12 vote to close Manchester and J.W. Coon elementary schools, and a May 19 joint meeting with county commissioners focused on school funding and long-term facilities planning. She also did not attend the school board’s meeting on Tuesday in which the board approved the transfer of the former Lillian Black Elementary School property to the county for $1.
Musgrave’s death leaves a vacancy on the school board and new uncertainty surrounding this year’s local election cycle. Under North Carolina law, the school board will appoint someone to fill Musgrave’s seat, with that appointee serving until the next election.
Her seat was already one of three at-large board seats scheduled to appear on the ballot this fall. The at-large seats held by Brown and Greg West are also up for election.
Candidate filing for the three, four-year terms begins July 6 and runs through August 7, according to the Cumberland County Board of Elections. West is not seeking reelection and is instead running for a seat on the board of commissioners.
Information regarding funeral or memorial arrangements had not been publicly announced by early Monday.
