Former Brunswick town mayor, and one of the state's longest serving, has died
Residents in Varnamtown say they lost a “tower” in the community when former mayor Judy Galloway passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2023.
Galloway served as the town’s mayor from 1989 until she retired in 2019. For her service, she received The Order of the Longleaf Pine, an award granted by the governor of North Carolina to individuals who have shown extraordinary service to the state. At the time of her retirement, she was also recognized for being the longest consecutively serving mayor of any North Carolina municipality.
Ada McDonald served with Galloway on Varnamtown’s Board of Aldermen for more than 30 years and remembers her as a “strong leader” and credited her for establishing a spirit of collaboration that has helped the town acquire the facilities it has today.
“When we started out, we had zero,” McDonald said.
With Galloway at the helm, McDonald said there was always a positive atmosphere.
“Even when we disagreed, we could laugh and leave as friends,” McDonald recalled.
The town accomplished quite a bit under Galloway’s leadership, including acquiring the land for and building a public boat ramp and building Jesse R. Caison Park.
But McDonald noted when it came to take credit for the town’s accomplishments, Galloway wasn’t one for recognition, instead preferring to give credit and praise to the town’s aldermen.
“Even at our meetings, she didn’t sit front and center,” McDonald said. “She took the corner chair.”
Sandi Parrish, clerk for Varnamtown, was emotional as she reflected on Galloway and her service to the community.
"She was the most wonderful, kind-hearted person I've ever met," Parrish said. "It was a pleasure to work with her, and it was a pleasure to know her."
Many also know Galloway as one of "The Tax Ladies," where she helped clients file their taxes for more than 30 years. Jim and Sharon Muthig, the current owners of the business, said Galloway was "a great lady" and a good mentor to the new employees.
"She will be missed at The Tax Ladies for her humor, her camaraderie, and her tax knowledge," Jim said.
Sharon also noted she will be missed by her coworkers and customers who loved working with her.
In addition to her work with the town, Galloway was also active in the community, serving as treasurer for Dixon Chapel Methodist Church for more than 40 years.
“She was treasurer when they didn’t have computers,” McDonald remembered, adding it was a position for which Galloway always refused compensation.
“She worked so hard in that church,” McDonald said. “If there was an event, she was there; if there was fundraiser, she was working.”
Galloway’s presence will be missed.
“She was a tower in the community,” McDonald said. “Varnamtown has a lost a friend.”
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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Former Varnamtown mayor Judy Galloway has died
