Judith was the daughter of the late Joseph R. Mathews Sr. and Louise Mathews Betts. She was also predeceased by husband William Parks, sister Joann Beals and brother Joseph R. Mathews Jr. Judith is survived by daughter Deborah L. Hare of Virginia Beach and son William Parks II of Norfolk; two grandsons, many nieces and nephews. It was her son’s honor to be her primary caretaker for her final years.
Judith was born and raised in Augusta and London KY, places she loved ever after. She was a lifelong fan of Kentucky Derby and UK basketball. She was a graduate of Granby High School and worked mainly as a loving mother and kindergarten teacher. Judith was a member of Fairmount Park Methodist Church. She was an active leader at Chesterfield Heights and Wesleyan Acres Methodist Churches, where her husband served as pastor and founder. She contributed to Christian ministries throughout her life. She also wrote and published poetry for many years. In her spare time, she took care of many pets and stray animals who always found their way to her door. A lifelong lover of nature who enjoyed the sun, sky, trees, and the Lafayette River from her backyard. She loyally fed the birds. Judith was a kind person, good mother, wife, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2pm, Friday, October 7, 2022 at Woodlawn Funeral Home. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service to visit and fellowship with the family. Burial will immediately follow the service in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com.
