Judith “Judy” Dean Goldman Driver. Judy was born on September 16, 1946 in Prichard. She lived in the Saraland and Satsuma areas her entire adult life and passed away from complications of cancer on July 8, 2020. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Eli and Jewel Goldman, as well as her brother Steve Goldman.
Judy is survived by her loving husband of fifty two years, Clifton Driver; sons Denys (Lori) Driver and Chad Driver; grandchildren Logan Driver, Kaylee Skidmore, Jax Skidmore as well as their mother Cassie Skidmore; special cousins Aubrey (Janet) Goldman, Kendall Carre, Nicholas Carre, Brook (Darryl) Fairchild, Brooks Fairchild, and many other extended family and special friends.
Judy was a proud graduate of Vigor High School and enjoyed the reunion gatherings over the years. A lifelong educator, Judy taught kindergarten at Satsuma Christian School until her retirement. She was proud of her previous students and loved to keep up with their life accomplishments. She collected children’s books and loved to read to children while wearing themed costumes and funny hats. Her children, granddaughter and ALL children were a source of joy to Judy. A devout Christian, Judy was a member of Bayou Sara Baptist Church, regularly attending Sunday School and church services as her health allowed.
After being diagnosed with Stage four breast cancer over twenty years ago, Judy bravely fought cancer with a strength and dignity that few possess. She declared that she would beat cancer, and she did! Judy had faith and determination that carried her through those dark days of treatments, medications and surgeries. After her cancer went into remission, she went on about leading her life to the fullest. Continuing to work as a teacher, being a Mom and Ganny, and a pillar of strength to anyone who knew her.
Judy was a huge fan of Alabama football and coach Nick Saban. For many years, she enjoyed trips to Tuscaloosa for every home game. There were even a few trips the doctors probably would not have approved of at the time, she loved it that much! When asked if she had doctor’s permission to make the trip, she stated “what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him”. This was her personality, not much got in her way. Judy loved to travel and fondly spoke of trips to Michigan and California to visit family, trips to New York City and the mountains, Walt Disney World, Bahamas cruises, you name it. Judy was always ready to pack her bag and go on an adventure!
After returning from those adventures, Judy was always happy to spend time at home with her family and friends. She enjoyed tending to flowers, hosting family gatherings and decorating the house for every holiday. Christmas was her favorite and she always had the house decorated before the Thanksgiving turkey was thawed.
In closing, the family would like to say a special thanks to Bayou Sara Baptist Church and her Sunday School class for all the prayers, visits and food provided over the past year. Our family friend Carolyn Hayford has been a consistent source of companionship and comfort to Judy over the years, and we thank you for loving Judy like a sister. Thank you to Dr. Beeker and his staff for helping Judy fight cancer for over twenty years, as well as her favorite nurse, Theresa Ellison at Springhill Hospice.
Visitation will be held at Radney Funeral Home-Saraland, AL on Saturday, July 10, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
