Carmen Judy Morehead

At 9:00 PM, March 23, 2022, Judy Morehead passed from the bonds of earth into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus. I watched her take her last breath. It was the hardest moment of my life to see my loving wife leave this life. She was my partner. She was the mother of our children. She was a grandmother and a great grandmother. She was my home. Her last breath closed our 48 years of wonderous marriage.

Though her first name was Carmen, everyone knew her as Judy.

She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The family was poor. She was one of four siblings- Elizabeth, Judy, Margaret, and John.

At 11 years old she came to Long Beach, California to live with her sister Elizabeth's family. They lived in a small apartment on Almond Court. She attended Lincoln Elementary School, Franklin Jr. High School, and Poly High School. Judy was a superb student- earned high grades and was in the Junior Honor Society. She was active in several organizations. In high school she took easily to business classes- excelling in accounting and marketing. After high school, she attended Long Beach City College, where she took childhood studies.

Judy and I met in the 9th Grade. Yes, we were young, but we were in love. We went steady throughout high school. And yes, there were trials and travails typical of young love. A few times we broke up and dated other people- only to return to each other. This love followed through our college years and eventually culminated in our marriage on January 26, 1974.

I was still a college student at the time with two years to go. I had a part time job at Buffum's Department store. Judy elected to work full-time- and providentially found a job as office manager. She was incredibly supportive and was always there to encourage me throughout college and later seminary.

Later on, Judy worked several years as administrative secretary for the dean of Pepperdine Graduate School of Religion- Dr. Frank Pack. Then she was hired as General Manager for a western distribution center of forms and supplies for Shell Oil and Equitable Life Assurance Company. She was highly respected and trusted by the owners whose head office was in New York City. Judy worked there until the business was sold to another company.

Judy landed her most favorite job of all time when she worked as a teacher's aide for the Long Beach Unified School District- much of her work was with developmentally disabled children in elementary and middle schools. She loved the work and loved working with the children- she did this for 35 years and retired.

Judy loved the Lord. She became a Christian in 1972. Hers is a wonderful story of conversion. Throughout our college years we attended the 5th and Atlantic Church of Christ. We were part of a great youth group. Through weekly attendance she learned the Bible and learned more about the Lord. But what really led to her conversion was the example set by the Preacher and his wife.

Brother Troy Cummings was the preacher. Judy had met his wife a few times- but his wife was frequently absent due to her terminal illness. One Sunday we went to visit Berta Cummings at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. But she was so ill that she could not speak with us. Judy watched as Brother Cummings labored on- preaching Sunday after Sunday with a cheerful outlook and great faith. She watched his faith and learned about Berta's faith. When she passed away, we attended Berta's funeral service at the church building. The service was moving and the message by the elder Jim Gordon was comforting. The while experience touched Judy's heart- she later told me how impressed she was with the faith and love expressed at the service.

On the following Sunday, Judy responded to the invitation. I will never forget that song- because it marked the beginning of a while new life for the both of us.

"Heaven Holds All to Me"

Earth holds no treasure but perish with using- However precious they be.

Yet there is a country to which I am going- Heaven Holds All to Me.

Heaven Holds All to Me. Brighter its glory will be.

Joy without measure will be my treasure.

Heaven Holds All to Me.

On that Sunday evening, Judy was baptized into Christ- and raised to walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:4).

Judy loved the Church. She loved singing, She loved the fellowship of the Church. She loved teaching children in Sunday School.

As we entered ministry- first with the Hearing Impaired- and later with the Hearing members Judy gave herself to the work. Every congregation we served Judy was in the thick of it- doing whatever she could- be it teaching, baking, visiting the sick, writing bulletins, and even learned sign language so that she could interpret sermons for the hearing impaired.

As ministry goes, there are happy times and not so happy times serving in the church. She was often there as my "rock" to encourage me along. There were lots of times as a young preacher when I wanted to quit- I was so discouraged. But she would listen to my complaining then gently encourage me to keep at it. I truly do not know how I could have carried on without her.

We served together at 5th and Atlantic, Torrance, Montebello, Bellflower, and North Downey. We were truly a team.

When the time came for me to pursue studies to become a psychologist, Judy was there all along. She knew there was sacrifice of time away from the family that such studies and practicum/interning required. She believed in me and was always there for me. I've often told her that her name should also be on my degrees because she was so supportive.

Judy was a great cook- she was the president of our kitchen. Everything she made was so delicious. From cookies to casseroles. From roasts to Mexican food- especially her enchiladas- all so good! In fact, enchiladas- all so good! In fact, enchiladas were the first meal she made for me when we were dating. It was some experience- the hot red chili and homemade flour tortillas- my nose was running- but I loved it! I was hooked.

She loved crafting too. Making all kinds of signs and cups and such.

She ran our finances. She was the CFO of the family and was able to effortlessly keep everything in balance.

Of all the good things that I can say about my wife there is one trait that Judy had that I've always admired- I can honestly say that she never held a grudge or nurtured a resentment- at least not for very long. Judy would just let the negative pass by and then move on with life.

I could go on and on. She loved our children and grandchildren and now a great grandchild- Jonathan. Her children were most important to her- Della, David, and Daniel. She loved them deeply. Her grandchildren were in her heart daily- Josiah, Jocelyn, and Jeremiah. And she was just thrilled to have the newest addition- Jonathan- her great grandson added to the family. There are so many others in the family- Reggie and her sister Margaret and John. Her sister Betty passed away a few years back.

In closing, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to all the members of the North Downey Church of Christ for their love and support. Judy loved this congregation and wanted the best for it. I am also so deeply appreciative of my colleagues and my supervisor for all their words of kindness and support. I could not ask for more. There are so many people who have shown such kindness to us from our family doctor to the staff at Long Beach Memorial Hospital and the wonderful Hospice nurses who were there with us during Judy's last days.

I love Judy and will miss her until that day when I will see her again. Just before she passed, I told her through my tears how much I love her and how much God loves her. I told her that she was about to see our Lord.

God has been so good to allow me to have 48 years of marriage to this marvelous woman! I hold no grudges against the Lord. Rather, I am grateful to God for the time we had together- I only wish that we had more. I will accept His will.

I often think of what Job said after he lost everything- his children, his wealth, and his health. He was told to curse God and die. But he didn't. His words are immortal, and I cling to them:

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Job 1:21