Judy Rushing Pinckney

Judy Rushing Pinckney (Lexington, SC) affectionately known as “Nana”, died on Christmas Day, 2025 at the age of 78. Judy was born on June 15th, 1947 to Dorothy Tims Rushing and Deweuild “Dill” Rushing. She graduated from Dentsville High School in 1965 and attended Palmer Business College in Columbia, SC. Judy married David Harrison Pinckney Jr. of Orangeburg, SC and was a loving wife to him for more than 56 years. Together, they had 3 children, Lyna Elizabeth (Lisa) Pinckney Thomson, Caroline Marie Pinckney and David Harrison Pinckney III.

Judy was a dedicated employee at Riverbanks Zoo for 35 years in various jobs including Switchboard Operator, Secretary to the Director and retired in 2012 as a Membership Coordinator to joyfully care for her youngest granddaughter, Louise. In addition to the incredible love she had for her children and grandchildren, she also loved going to Edisto Beach with her family to hunt for sharks teeth, counting the pelicans as they flew over and witnessing baby sea turtles hatching. She could always be found working a good puzzle with a nice glass of wine and the Weather Channel on in the background.

Judy is survived by her husband, David Harrison Pinckney Jr., her 3 children, Lisa (John) Pinckney Thomson, Caroline Marie Pinckney, and Harrison (Amy) Pinckney; as well as her 6 adored grandchildren, Cecile Marie Thomson, Lane Pinckney Thomson, John Riley Thomson, David “Trad” Harrison Pinckney IV, Madison Lynne Pinckney, and Eliza Louise Pinckney. She was predeceased by her father and mother and her brother, Michael D. Rushing.

Funeral services will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington on Saturday, January 10th at 1:00 with visitation with the family afterwards.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Edisto Beach Loggerhead Turtle Project, PO Box 204, Edisto Island, SC 29438.