Judith Richardson Minter, of Martinsville, passed away Aug 11, 2018, at the age of 77. Born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on December 26, 1940, to Lester Hartley Richardson and Ruth Apolline Wilmoth Richardson, the Richardson’s moved to Staunton, Virginia while Judy was in high school. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Mary Baldwin College, and a Master’s Degree in Organ and Sacred Music from the Union Theological Seminary in New York, NY. Judy moved to Martinsville in 1964, taking the position of Music Director at Broad Street Christian Church. She continued to serve in music ministry for many years as organist of First Baptist Church in Martinsville. She was a published composer of piano music for students and of a set of books for improving keyboard skills. She will always be remembered for her musical ability and her dedication to her piano and organ students.
She is survived by her husband, James L. Minter, also of Martinsville, and her daughter, Lynn Strickland Anderson and son-in-law, John, of Greensboro, NC. She will be remembered by her brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Temple Richardson, of Norfolk; niece Carrie Richardson Queen, her husband Brian, and their children Avery and Ayden; nephew David Richardson, his wife, Jessie, and their son, Parker; great-niece, Katelyn Richardson, and great-nephew, Ethan Richardson.
She was fortunate to have her step-children, James Minter, Jr. and Barbara Knecht and their families in her life. She was preceded in death by her sister Jeanne Richardson, by cherished nephew, Jonathan Andrew Richardson, and a stepson, Thomas Strickland.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Martinsville. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Martinsville, VA.
The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Martinsville, 23 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112, or to Piedmont Arts Association, 215 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112.
Condolences may be offered online at collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com. McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville is serving the family.
