Jody Ray Thigpen - Spry Funeral Home
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Judith (Judy) Ford of Athens, Alabama passed away in the
comfort of her home at the age of 80 on December 22, 2024.
Judy was born and raised in the eastern coal mining area of
Kentucky. After she graduated from Harlan High School, she studied at Cumberland College to become a
teacher. She married William E. Ford (Ernie) in 1968 and they moved to Athens, Alabama in 1978.
Once settled in Athens, Ernie and Judy became faithful members of First Baptist Church of Athens,
AL.
With over 30 years of teaching, Judy nurtured generations of
young learners. Through her unwavering dedication to each student and her creative teaching, Judy
fostered a love of education and compassion in every classroom that made a lasting impact on the
community. Judy saw the importance of continuous learning herself and received her MS from the
University of Alabama A&M while raising two children, Blake and Amanda. After retiring from teaching, Judy was able to focus on her
true passion of quilting, sewing, doll making and helping others in need.
Celebration of Life will be 1 pm
Thursday December 26, 2024 at Lake Ida.
Judy is survived by the following: Oliver (puppy), William
Blake Ford (son), Amanda Ford (daughter), Larry Thomas (brother), Jamie and Brenda Ford of Mobile, AL
(brother-in-law/wife); Rondy and Mary Lou Miller of Vancleave, MS (sister-in-law/husband); Phyllis
and Lloyd Johnson of Salem, IN (sister-in-law/husband), and several nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Preceded in death by her husband Ernie Ford, her mother
Viola, and her father Stanley.
Pallbearers will be: Blake Ford, Billy Hargrove, Rene Hood,
Curtis Grissom, Michael Gilbert Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jamie Ford, Larry Ford, and
Bill Hightower Spry Funeral Home of Athens, AL will be handling the
arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Hospice of Limestone County or
Samaritan’s Purse. Judy enjoyed filling the children’s shoe boxes every year with toys, markers, and
games.
The Hospice team took exceptional care of her during her illness
Sign Guestbook Below.
7 comments
Dottie/Gary Wheeler
2024-12-27 23:31:24
Love you always Patty you are forever in our hearts
Denise Howard
2024-12-27 23:57:26
I’ve always loved your mom. She was a wonderful person. She will surely be missed. Love and prayers Denise
Jayden/Christian Dejesus
2024-12-28 15:27:11
We love you aunt patty, you will always be in our heart and soul. Love you and miss you.
Carolyn Mcfall
2024-12-29 04:04:25
Our hearts go out to the family, we are so sorry.
Larry and Sharon Schepers
2024-12-29 12:46:32
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏 Much love and sympathy to our good friends Gary and Dottie Wheeler. We didn't know Patty personally but heard so much about her and the beautiful person she was.
Violet Couture
2024-12-29 15:19:47
I was so sorry to hear about Patty. I haven't seen her in years, but was able to connect with her on FB. She was a kind person and will be missed so much. Hugs and prayers to her family.
Regina Andrews
2025-01-03 17:53:52
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family
