Judith Ann "Judy" Fort Johnson

Judith Ann "Judy" Fort Johnson, age 80, our loving mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025 at home with her daughter by her side. Judy was born on January 5, 1945 in Louisville, KY. She was a 1963 graduate of Durrett High School and went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degree by the age of twenty-one from Murray State University. Following her college graduation, she taught in southern Kentucky, St. Louis, MO., and ultimately gave 30 years of her teaching talents to Jefferson County Public Schools.

Church was always a big part of her life and she was a member of St. Matthew UCC until its closing where she transitioned to St. Andew UCC until her death. She was active in all aspects of the church and had a special love for singing as evident in the 40 years she sang in the choir.

Judy would say that she believed her purpose in life wasn’t to do great things, but to bloom where she was planted and bloom she definitely did! Dancing was a passion of hers from tap and jazz at a young age to the Rat Racers and Bop City dance groups upon retirement. There wasn't a dance she didn't dance! Another passion was her love, care, and advocacy for animals, from snakes in the garden to the cats and pups that would share space on her lap. To her they all deserved respect, kindness, and the right to share space with us here on earth.

She traveled many places taking family and friends with her to Mexico, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, almost the entirety of Western Europe, as well as almost all the states in the U.S. She was most passionate about the relationships that she held with her family, friends, and all animals. We would be remiss if we did not put in her love for the color yellow. Her sense of humor, positive outlook, and storytelling capabilities will stay with us for always and live on as we repeat them to the next generation. Her life ended much, much too soon and she will be greatly missed by many. When in her presence you always felt your full worth and that you were enough. We are unmoored and held afloat by our anger and sadness, but above all, her love. We hope that when our time comes, she will lead us home with that thousand-watt smile. We love and miss her!

Judy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 26 years Harvey Johnson, brother Thomas Fort Jr., and her parents, Elizabeth & Thomas Fort, Sr.

She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Bartley (Curt); Step-daughter Debbie Elswick (Jakie); grandchildren Tara Bartley, Hunter LaClair (Shelby), Autumn Bartley, Tucker Bartley, Brett Elswick, Brandon Elswick, Justin Lay; great-granddaughter Karsyn LaClair; sister-in-law Rhonda Fort; nieces Pam Mead (Dale) and Beth Fox (Kevin), nephew Steve Fort (Michele); extended family members Terri Claggett (Gary) and Christi Miller and their children; close family friend JoAnn Paulin, and many other great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.

Services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 18 at St. Andrew United Church of Christ, 2608 Browns Lane, Louisville, KY. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 17 from 1-6 at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4623 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY. and 1 hour before the service at St. Andrews on Monday. There will be brief commitment ceremony at the cemetery with a luncheon following at St. Andrews. In lieu of flowers, Judy requested donations be made to St. Andrew United Church of Christ, Kentucky Humane Society, or The Arrow Fund.