Born at home in NC to Wilson Reese and Nancy Vesta, Judy’s country roots and love for her home state would never leave her heart. Completing business school at Miller Motte, her career choices would eventually lead her to a secretarial position at the railroad where she would meet Kin Rogers and soon be transferred, along with him, to Jacksonville, FL. He often joked that he made the ‘mistake’ of asking her to type something for him … he should have asked one of the married ladies!”. But her spunk had caught his attention, and in 1965 Judy and Kin pledged themselves in marriage before God in Kellum, NC, staying ever true to those vows for the whole of their 58 years together.
Finding true faith in the Lord at a young age, you couldn’t meet Judy without being touched by it and the joy she exuded. She was faithful in her Christian service, teaching preschool, continually growing in her faith and always ready to share the love of Jesus with anyone in need! And whether family, friend or stranger, her loving warmth, generosity of heart, and kindness toward others was always evident. The free spirited laughter, silly antics and childlike sense of adventure were just a few of the evidences of her zeal for life, and proof that she never took herself too seriously.
Judy left the railroad in 1971 when she realized that her highest calling would be found in raising a family, which she did wholeheartedly. The strong faith lived out daily in the lives of both Judy and Kin has passed firmly on to each of their children, grandchildren, and great grands. Their constant prayer is for that faith to continue passing on to every relation in every generation.
Judy was an original in every way, and the things those who love her will miss most, aside from her loving heart and warm hugs, will be all of the laughter, fun, and doses of mischievous spontaneity that she could inject into any gathering! Judy passed from her earthly life of 83 years into her heavenly one on April 11, 2024 after a second courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends who loved and cared for her until the very end.
Judy is survived by her husband Kin, their children Julie, Steve (Hope), and Burt (Crystal), five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three great grandchildren plus one more on the way, five step-great grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Dottie (Sammy) and Patti (Pete), as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, a brother Wilson Reese Jr and his wife Rachel, a son-in-law Tim, and a grandnephew Cyrus.
Funeral services will be held, 2 PM, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL with visitation 1 hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Memorial Park. Please post words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.
The family wishes to thank Haven Hospice for providing palliative care in Judy’s final months.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Middleburg in her memory.
