CityView Magazine

24 November 2021 BY KIM HAST Y PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED FA SCI NAT I NG FAYETT EVILLE T ime and again, Mary Flagg Haugh said, she reaches for the phone to call Judy Klinck. "I miss her so much," Haugh said. "Whenever I have a question regarding a nonprofit, I always think, 'Judy would know the answer.' She was such a smart cookie." Since Klinck 's death in June at age 73, many of those who knew her feel the same. Klinck was devoted to and involved in this community in so many ways, including as a vestry member at her church, St. John's Episcopal; on the tennis courts, where she had a tricky slice and a kind-hearted way of welcoming new players; and perhaps most of all, through her service to numerous nonprofit organizations. She was a giver, "a doer of good, tirelessly helping others in our community and living a life of service to those in need," said close friend Martha Harrison Lerario. Klinck was hired as executive director at the local nonprofit organization Better Health in 2003, aer earning a master's degree in health management and aer a 25- year career as a dental hygienist. She retired in 2015 aer 12 years of helping individuals in need with critical health services, such as diabetes education, eye exams, prescriptions and medical equipment. Amy Navejas, who succeeded Klinck at Better Health and who is now CEO of the United Way of Cumberland County, said Klinck made a career of finding a way to help. "It was clear JUDY KLINCK HAD A SERVANT'S HEART Amy Navejas Judy Klinck presented Susan Miller with Better Health's 2011 Ruth Peters Award. Judy Klinck had something taped up on the bulletin board in her office at Better Health that read: Don't look for a way to say no. Look for a way to say yes. Sharon Eagen, left, and Judy Klinck received a donation from Cathy O'Dell with South River Electric Membership Corporation. Dr. Frank Till and Peter Best present Judy Klinck with the United Way's 2015 Common Good Award.

• Cover