Judith Newsom Shillinglaw

With grateful hearts for a life well lived, the family of Judith Newsom Shillinglaw announces her passing on August 13, 2026 at the age of 83. She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow Wilson and Nancy Clark Newsom and her loving husband of 25 years, Benjamin Ryan Shillinglaw.

She was born and raised in Hartsville, SC. After graduating from Hartsville High School, she attended and graduated from Winthrop College. She continued her education and completed graduate work at Francis Marion College and the University of South Carolina.

She began her educational career teaching in White Plains, AL. Upon returning to SC, she taught at Wilson High School in Florence, SC and in Lexington Five and Richland One school districts in Columbia. She ended her educational career in the Office of Assessment, Department of Education.

She was previously married to Robert E. Gahagan, Jr. with whom she shared three children, Genny G. McKenzie (Chris) of Columbia, SC, Christy G. Slaughter (Andy) of Columbia, SC and Robert E. Gahagan III (Angie) of Columbia, SC. Judy was a devoted mother to her three children and her eight grandchildren, Dannelly Nybo (Nick), Lilly McKenzie, Campbell McKenzie, Drew Slaughter, Mary Hagan Slaughter, Kate Slaughter, Anna Gahagan, and Emma Gahagan. She is also survived by her sister, Kathryn Suggs, brother Clark Newsom (Tudy) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews who were all very special to her.

In her retirement years, she took particular pleasure in the time spent in Ben’s and her home in Montreat, NC. She cherished the many friendships she made in both Montreat and Columbia. She was an enthusiastic bridge player and enjoyed reading and tending to her plants.

Judy was very aware and thankful for the many prayers and thoughts sent her way by her cherished friends. Especially, Sue Hopke, Genie Sullivan, Kitty Fouche and her traveling buddy Linda Murphy. She also cultivated many strong friendships through bridge who all held a very special place in her life. She faced life with quiet strength and a strong faith particularly as she diligently fought against cancer the last few years. We would also like to thank her hospice care team and devoted care givers who were with her until the end.

A celebration of life will take place at St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Columbia, SC on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow. A celebration is also being planned in Montreat, NC in early September. The exact date is still being finalized. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family and will announce further plans.

Memorials may be made in Judy’s name to: St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 5220 Clemson Ave., Columbia, SC 29206; or to Montreat Presbyterian Church, PO Box 577, Montreat, NC 28757; or to Montreat Conference Center, PO Box 969, Montreat, NC 28757.