She was born on January 10, 1942, in Alton, IL the daughter of Floyd Wesley and Alice Lucile (Ontis) Smith.
Judy was a graduate of Alton High School and retired from the State of Illinois Public Aid Office. Throughout her career, she worked as a secretary for two state representatives and also spent time working in Senate transcribing.
She met Wayne at “Bootkickers,” a country dance club. The two were married in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on September 24, 1993, and shared 33 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and many cherished memories.
Judy was the kind of person who rarely met a stranger. She had a warm and welcoming spirit that made people feel comfortable and cared for, and nearly everyone who knew her loved her. Her kindness, friendship, and joyful presence touched the lives of many.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Alice; grandparents; brother, Roger Smith; and one daughter, Sue Ann Mellinthin.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne; daughters, Linda (Danny) Wilson of Ft. Myers, FL and Amber Meek of Glenarm, IL; son, Thomas (Tricia) Landers of Bryan, TX; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and two stepsons, Thomas Lilly of Springfield, IL and Sean (Tara) Lilly of Murphysboro, IL.
Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL 62629, until the time of the Ceremony at 12:30 p.m. with Pastor Ahron Cooney officiating.
Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please visit www.butlerchatham.com to offer condolences.
