Judy was born in Saint Joseph, MO on March 5, 1939 to Alma Lee Ball and Robert Butler Sympson. Judith attended Chickasha High School in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and went on to attend Oklahoma College for Women and the University of Colorado at Boulder. In addition to being a stay at home wife/mother, she worked for a time as a Respiratory Therapist. Judy was an avid gardener, with a passion for sharing her knowledge and plants with all who knew her. She enjoyed being a member of the Watkinsville Garden Club as well as OCAF, Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation. She was a longtime member of the High Shoals United Methodist Church and more recently the Bishop United Methodist Church, where she loved to sing and attend social gatherings.
Judy is survived by her daughters, Christina Johncox (Wendel Moorehead) of High Shoals, GA and Jean Palmateer (Brian Palmateer) of Norwood, MA; grandchildren, Megan Johncox (Ben Panepento) of Springwater, NY, Emily House (Justin House) of High Shoals, GA, Brianna Palmateer of Allentown, PA, Nolan Palmateer of Sharon, MA; and great-granddaughter, Thea Violet Panepento.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Joseph Sympson and Robert Sympson; her husband and great love, Joseph J. Gilvey; and her son, Richard E. Stevens.
A memorial service will be held later this spring at the family home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Watkinsville Garden Club or the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and care team at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital who cared for her and us in her final days with compassion.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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