Judy Westerfield

Born July 1, 1942 in Jackson, MS. Judy was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1960 and Mississippi College and earned a Master’s Degree in Mental Retardation from Mississippi State University. She gave 31 years of service to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health at Hudspeth Regional Center, a career Judy regarded as immensely challenging and rewarding. She considered it such a privilege over the years working with other to develop community options for individuals with developmental disabilities. She retired as Director of Community Services and was active in professional organizations that served to advocate for this population.

In retirement, Judy enjoyed volunteering, reading, playing bridge, gardening, painting, and spending time with family and friends. She was a charter member of St. Paul Catholic Church and was active in many parish activities. She cherished her involvement with the Sisters in Faith, a study group she said was dedicated to helping each other with spiritual growth and providing support with life’s challenges.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Bob Westerfield, her parents, Robert and Odile Strong, her brothers, Joseph Strong and Charles Strong, and sisters, Sally Ferguson and Blanche Hobbs. She is survived by one brother, Robert Strong of The Woodlands, Texas and many precious nieces and nephews. She dearly loved her very special sons, Kenny Strong of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Michael Strong of Oklahoma City.

Services will be at St. Paul Catholic Church on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 11:00 am, with visitation held prior from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Burial will be at Parkway Memorial Cemetery at 1:00 pm following the service on Monday. Memorial may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church or the Gleaners.