Judith Ann Gee

Judith Ann (Thompson) Gee, affectionately known as “Judy,” was born on August 31, 1938, in

Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Joelzie Thompson and Ella R. (Brown) Thompson. As the youngest of

three children, Judy was raised in a family deeply rooted in service and education. Her father, an

Episcopal pastor, and her mother, a dedicated schoolteacher, guided her early years as the family

moved across the country due to her father’s ministry.

Judy graduated from Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, and went on to pursue

higher education at Bennett College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1960. She later

obtained a Master’s in Special Education from Howard University in 1974.

On January 13, 1961, Judy married Baxter W. Gee in Baltimore, MD. They welcomed their daughter,

Judith L. Gee, into their lives. Judy devoted over 40 years to teaching in the DC Public Schools,

primarily as a sixth-grade teacher at Merritt Elementary School. Her dedication to her students left a

lasting impact, with many former pupils staying connected and remembering her fondly.

A committed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated since her time at Bennett

College, Judy was also active in St. Helene’s Guild, Episcopal Church Women, and the DC chapter of

the Squaws, now known as the Charms a nonprofit social and civic organization of women dedicated

to humanitarian service. Their motto is “Smile, help your fellow man, and aspire to greater things. Her

early experiences as a “Preacher’s Kid” saw her developing a love for music, and she often played

the piano and organ during church services and social events at her father’s parishes and later at The

Episcopal Church of the Atonement.

Judy was enthusiastic about travel, enjoying trips both domestically and abroad. She delighted in

exploring unfamiliar places and savoring North Carolina Barbecue, frequently seeking out the best

barbecue spots in the DC Metro Area. A lover of card games, she was known for hosting lively

pinochle and bid whist parties, always enjoying a bit of friendly competition.

Her vibrant personality and boundless energy made her a memorable presence, whether advocating

for others or simply being a supportive friend. Judy passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved

ones, on August 13, 2024, at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Joelzie and Ella R. Thompson, and her brother, Joe H.

Thompson. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Baxter W. Gee; her beloved daughter,

Judith L. Gee; her Grand Godson, JaMarcus Coates; her sister, Ella R. Moore; her nephew, Anthony

Moore; her nieces, Karen Thompson, Kelli Woodland, and Krisi Langford; and a host of loving relatives

and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held in Judy’s honor at The Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 5074

East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC, on September 12, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am,

followed by the service at 11:00 am, and interment at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Road,

Brentwood, Maryland.