Judith “Judi” Kay Hanks Heflin

“Judi” Kay Hanks, 80, formerly of Gary, WV, and later, Charleston, WV, and Concord, NC, passed
away Wednesday, April 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after complications from a fall.

Judi lived a life defined by perseverance, compassion, curiosity, and joy. She was a proud Gary Coal
Digger who never forgot her McDowell County roots and treasured reconnecting with old friends at
class reunions. Her boundless energy, radiant kindness, and genuine interest in others left a lasting
impression on everyone she met.

Born February 18, 1946, she was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Lee Hanks and Mabel
“Tommy” Tomblin; her sisters, Patricia Hanks Dishman of Gary, WV, and Carolyn Hanks Larj of
Wapakoneta, OH; and by the father of her children, Robert Heflin of Bishop, WV and Point Marion,
PA.

Judi was first and always a devoted mother. She lovingly raised five children:
 Cheri Heflin Callaghan (Mike) of Southport, NC
 Lori Heflin Austin of Charlotte, NC
 Robert “Bobby” Heflin II (Briana Simmons) of Morgantown, WV
 Kriste Heflin of Concord, NC
 Brandy Heflin (Kormah Padgett) of Charleston, WV

After her last child left the nest, she boldly returned to college at Bluefield State College. There, she
thrived—serving as Student Body President and editor of the school newspaper—before graduating
in 1995 with a degree in education. Her determination and enthusiasm inspired everyone around her
and proved it’s never too late to chase a dream.

Over the following decades, Judi’s professional life reflected her generous spirit; she worked with
numerous charitable and public health organizations, including the WV Nurses Association, the
American Heart Association, the WV Women’s Commission, the WVDHHR Office of Maternal and
Child Health, the WV Engineers and Architects Association, and WV FREE. Her work always
centered on helping others and strengthening her community.

Judi delighted in life’s simple pleasures: sunny days, the beach, Hallmark movies, traveling, Elvis
music, magnolia trees, banana popsicles, parlay cards, WVU Mountaineer sports and her puppies,
both real and stuffed. She approached life with a zest that was unmistakably her own.

She was a deeply beloved “Nana” to her thirteen grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Ashley
Austin Schiffman (Zach), Logan Austin (Kara), Whitney Browning-Faille (Bradley), Tatum DiManno
Jeremy Johnson (Kristen), Haleigh Heflin, Marshall Heflin, Sam Montgomery (Maddie), Caroline
Montgomery, Meredith Montgomery Wolfe (Chris), Megan Callaghan Bailey (James), Molly
Callaghan Kumar (Ansh), and Matthew Callaghan, and others dearly cherished. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Coleson, Waylon, Cayson, Everly, Brice, Reason,
Sawyer, Aramis, James “Jack,” and Henry, as well as through many nieces, nephews, friends, and
extended family members who held a special place in her heart.

Consistent with her wishes, Judi will be cremated. A private service will be held on May 15, 2026 in
Bluewell, WV, with a meal following for friends and family at Bluefield City Park. Plans for a
Celebration of Life are incomplete.

Judi’s family is profoundly thankful for the love, support, and companionship that surrounded her
throughout her life. Though deeply missed, her light, laughter, and love will live on in the countless
lives she touched.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Hanks/Heflin family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.