Judith E Currier

Judith Elizabeth McMurry Currier, lovingly known to her family and friends as Judy, passed away on September 21, 2026, in Attalla, Alabama. Born on March 23, 1945, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Judy lived a life defined by love—love for her family, love for animals, love for flowers, love for creating beautiful things, and, most of all, love for the people around her.

Judy spent much of her life in Knoxville and Kingsport, Tennessee. Wherever she lived, she created a home that was warm, welcoming, and always open to family and friends. She was the person who was at the door to greet you with a hug. In fact, once you had been to her home one time, there was an unspoken rule: you were getting a hug every time you came back.

Judy was a caregiver by nature. She was a nursemaid to many members of her family, always ready to help, comfort, feed, encourage, or simply be there when someone needed her. She was also a wonderful hostess. Meals were prepared with care, the table was ready, and there was always room for another guest. Caring for people was simply part of who Judy was. She expressed her love through the things she did for others every day.

Judy was also an artist at heart. She created porcelain dolls, figurines, ceramics, needlepoint, handmade Christmas ornaments, and countless other crafts. But what made her creativity so special was that she loved giving her creations away. She made things with her own hands because she wanted someone else to enjoy them. A gift from Judy was never just a gift—it carried her time, her talent, her thoughtfulness, and a little piece of her heart.

Judy had a particular love for flowers, especially her irises, which she grew in many varieties. The iris, Tennessee’s state flower, held a special place in her heart, and she especially enjoyed growing varieties connected to her love of Irish culture and heritage. She also loved pansies, and her love of them began with a tender childhood memory. When Judy was very ill as a child, her brother planted pansies outside her window so she could see them. That simple act of love stayed with her throughout her life, and those flowers became a lasting reminder of the kindness of family and how something seemingly small can bring comfort and joy to someone who needs it. Judy cherished her Irish culture, appreciating its traditions, spirit, and rich heritage, and found joy in the beauty and meaning that both her flowers and her heritage brought to her life.

Judy had a deep love of the water that stayed with her throughout her life. She was a wonderful and avid fisherwoman, a passion she shared with her Daddy, and fishing became one of the many ways she carried a connection to her father and family throughout her life. She also loved to swim and had the most beautiful dive. Those who watched her will remember the grace and confidence with which she entered the water. Her love of swimming reflected the joy she found in simply being near the water, a joy she shared with her children by making sure they had American Legion pool passes each summer. She gave them the opportunity to spend their summer days enjoying the water and making memories of their own. For Judy, the water was more than a place to fish or swim—it was a place where she found happiness, freedom, family, and a connection to the people and memories she cherished.

Judy's love for animals began just as early. As a little girl, her Daddy gave her a stuffed animal she called her “Tommy Horse.” That little horse became the beginning of a lifelong love of animals. Over the years, her home was filled with dogs and a few beloved cats, each finding a special place in her heart. Her last furry love, Syd, will continue to be loved and cared for by her son Tab and his family.

Judy was also proud of the independence she found later in life. After the passing of her husband, William, she purchased her own home and learned to manage her finances. It was something she was genuinely proud of—a reflection of her strength, determination, and willingness to learn something new and take care of herself.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years, William P. Currier Jr., who passed away in 2007; her parents, Jack D. McMurry Sr. and Rosalie Richards; her sister, Virginia M. Walsh; her brother, Jack D. McMurry Jr.; and her grandson, Tab Tyler Currier.

She leaves behind her sons, Tab W. Currier and Monty Currier; her daughters-in-law, Deanna Currier and Gabe Currier; her daughter, Jackie Nevarez; her son-in-law, Andrew Nevarez; and her grandchildren, Sydney Currier, Avery Currier, Caden Currier, Claire Currier, Sebastian Nevarez, and Isabella Nevarez.

Judy's life was reflected in the countless little things she did for the people she loved. It was in the meal waiting on the table, the handmade ornament carefully created for Christmas, the flowers growing in her garden, the craft she made especially for someone, the Irish traditions and culture she enjoyed, the fishing trips she loved, the graceful dive into the water, the animal she welcomed into her home, and, perhaps most of all, the hug waiting at the door.

She had a gift for making people feel cared for. She created beauty with her hands, but she created something even more lasting with her heart: a family surrounded by memories of being loved.

At Judy's request, she will be cremated. Her family will then take her ashes to her Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, where they will spread them among the mountains she loved. It is fitting that Judy's final resting place will be somewhere connected to the beauty of her Tennessee home and the landscape that remained a part of her heart throughout her life.

Perhaps there is no better place for Judy to rest than among those mountains—with the beauty, the flowers, the memories, and the people she loved so dearly.

Judy will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of the people she welcomed, cared for, created for, and loved.