Judy Belle Spurlock Gerst

Judy Belle Spurlock Gerst of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, daughter of Helen Butrum Spurlock Marlowe and Alvin Spurlock, passed on the morning of April 11, 2023, in Louisville, age 79. Judy was a firecracker from the moment she was born in Springfield, Tennessee, the older sister to brothers George, who kept her in stitches his whole life, and Ricky, who as a kid shot her in the eye with a BB gun, but whom she forgave, and forgave even more when the BB worked its way back out.   Judy was eighteen years old and working in Louisville when she met handsome Ft. Knox soldier James H. Gerst.  Six weeks later they were married in New York City, his hometown.  

Then she became Mom.  For fifty-eight years more, Mom filled her family's home with love, understanding, forgiveness, fun, creativity, solid life advice, laughter and more laughter, and some of the best, most plentiful home-cooked food ever. Her home and swimming pool were always open to family and friends and thought of by many as a home away from home. Judy would describe herself as a stay-at-home mom, but she did so much more: waited tables at the California Orange Bar and Masterson's, made wedding toppers for Heitzman's Bakery, painted houses, worked in marketing and at Dismas Charities, drove locally for Tarc3 and ADL Dental Laboratories, and was a family home provider to mentally challenged adults, all while keeping a spic and span home and a close eye on her daughters.  Judy was proud, fiercely independent, and incredibly talented; she played piano, painted landscapes and still lifes, crocheted matching beret and sweater sets for her chihuahua, made dolls and stuffed animals, sewed clothes and costumes for people and dolls; her bearded Ken doll as Henry VIII and five of his six Barbie wives won first place at the Kentucky State Fair.  Judy created a lush garden wherever she lived, grew vegetables and giant sunflowers, canned tomatoes and the best spaghetti sauce in the world, made life-size wooden safari and jungle animals, rocking horses and race cars and carousels, activity books for toddlers, and a space ship big enough for three adults in her basement using refrigerator boxes, string lights, toy guns, telephone parts, shoe boxes, and a whole lot of tin foil, and so many other projects and ideas.  Judy was a voracious reader of history books and encyclopedias and historical fiction; a treasured possession was a letter from her favorite author, Norah Lofts.  Stray animals were drawn to Judy and she could not abide suffering or injustice, flashing those blue eyes and "growing tall" in her 5'1" frame, always jumping in and "doing the right thing."  When Mom encountered someone in need, she shared what she had, even if she had only a little.  Mom's greatest wish was that everyone in her home feel welcome, everyone she loved be safe, happy, and healthy.  And well fed.  She was adept at turning nothing into something spectacular, completely unaware of how spectacular she was herself.  

Then she became Granny, and this incredible woman never shined so brightly than when she was looking at those grandbabies.  Granny loved with her whole heart, unconditionally. 

Mom, our world is diminished without you, your grace, your humor, your wisdom, your example, and your deep, deep love, but we were so very lucky to have you and your light will shine on.  

Judy was preceded in death by parents Helen and Alvin, husband Jim, and brothers George and Ricky.  Judy is survived by her daughters Christine Bellehelen (Mark Vied) and Nicole Sullivan and her devoted son-in-law John Sullivan, cherished granddaughters Christina Noel Sullivan and Alexandra Sullivan, sister-in-law Janice and nephew Jeff Spurlock (George), and all the family and many friends in Kentucky and Tennessee whose lives she touched.  In lieu of flowers or donations to the family, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation in Judy's name, or a beautiful flowering plant other than roses for your yard or patio that will remind you of her when you enjoy it.  She would love that.  

Please join us for a celebration of Judy's remarkable life on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at 1 p.m. Eastern/12 p.m. Central, at the Hillview Government Center, 283 Crestwood Lane, Louisville, Kentucky. We will display a few of her many creations and listen to some of her favorite music.  If you have a story or treasured memory or something Mom created, her family would be so grateful if you shared. Comfortable clothing is encouraged and control top pantyhose are strictly prohibited.  Mom said.