Judith "Judie" Kay Ezzo

Judie was always grateful that she and her husband Earl had the pleasure of taking their oldest grandchildren on a cruise of their choice to celebrate their 16th birthdays. These trips allowed Judie to learn more about each grandchild on an individual basis. She witnessed how each grandchild learned and appreciated different aspects of the adventures. Judie often talked about the transatlantic European cruise she and Earl enjoyed for their 50th wedding anniversary and the month-long land trip of the British Isles.

Judith Kay Ezzo age 81 of Tavares, FL went to be with the Lord on October 19, 2024 after only nine days in the Hospital in Tavares and only five days after being diagnosed with cancer.

Judie was born in Detroit, MI in 1943 to Thurman and Geneva Williams. Judie faced the loss of her father at a young age but was deeply grateful to have spent many years with her mother especially in their shared journeys between Michigan and Florida once her mom retired.

Judie graduated with honors and was a valedictorian from L’Anse Creuse High School. As a student, Judie worked in the principal’s office and as the school switchboard operator. Upon graduation Judie interviewed and tested for a job at General Electric in the Atomic Energy division in Washington DC and was immediately hired. Judie’s executive secretarial duties often included hosting the spouses of foreign dignitaries which she did with grace and dignity. Judie’s professional journey continued after General Electric working as a part time secretary at Bethany Baptist Church while raising her children. She later tested for a job as a medical transcriptionist. Having no medical experience or education, Judie was hired by Metropolitan Orthopedic Clinic where she was later promoted to practice manager and became a leader and eventual President of the National Orthopedic Managers Association.

While working in Washington DC, she and Earl dated long distance off and on. After five years, Judie decided to return to Michigan and marry Earl, the love of her life. Judie and Earl were married in June of 1966 at First Baptist Church in Mt. Clemens. Pastor Westenberg, long time pastor of Bethany Baptist Church officiated the wedding. Judie and Earl first met as teenagers at Bethany Baptist Church. Earl’s mom often commented that Judie was the one for Earl. Judie and Earl were married for 58 years.

Judie enjoyed travel, reading, and walking; especially on the beach but most of all, she treasured time with and being a grandparent to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Granddaughter Shelby Hope Ezzo Rasho, her husband Jon Rasho. Great Grandchildren Nicholas Atkinson and Bonita Rasho. Grandson Jacob Greenleaf and his wife Maranda Greenleaf. Granddaughter Hannah Greenleaf and Twin Grandchildren Sawyer and Skylar Dubay.

Judie made friends wherever she worked, her church family and wherever she was in Michigan or Florida. The common expressions of Judie from her numerous friends over her lifetime is that she was always gracious and dignified. The notes from friends in her high school class of 1961 yearbook and the comments received from the news of her passing are the same. Judie was such a beautiful, wonderful, graceful and selfless woman.

Judie made sure to find a church home for worship and fellowship in every place she and Earl lived in their 58 years of marriage including Bethany Baptist Church and later Faith Baptist Church in Clinton Township, MI; First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, FL; First Baptist Church of Plant City, FL; and First Baptist Church of Mt Dora, FL.

Everyone who knew Judie knew where her happy place was. The family place on the ocean in Ormond Beach was just that. She enjoyed walks on the beach and time by the pool with her beloved husband Earl, kids, grandkids and their many friends there. Judie’s famous catchphrases were “I wish you enough” and “Until next time” We could not have asked for a better mom, wife to Earl, Grandmother, career woman, friend and role model. She made such a wonderful impact on everyone she interacted with over her 81 years. Judie loved the Lord her savior and shared her faith with her family by writing a biblical promise message by email on a nightly basis. Judie will be deeply missed.

Judie was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gerald Williams and is survived by her son John and his wife Stephanie and her daughter Lisa and her husband Ken.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 9th, 2024 at Faith Baptist Church 34950 Little Mack Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Visitation from 10am to 11am, followed by a service at 11am. Lunch will be served at 12pm at the church followed by private burial at Cadillac Memorial Gardens in Clinton Township (Family Only).

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts to Bethany Baptist Church, 19700 15 Mile Road, Clinton Township, MI 48035, https://connect2bethany.org/ , Faith Baptist Church, 34950 Little Mack Ave., Clinton Township, MI 48035 www.fbcclintontwp.org and First Baptist Church of Mt. Dora, 1000 E. 1st Ave., Mt. Dora, FL 32757, www.firstmtdora.org .