Judy H. King

Judy Howell King passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones. Judy was born on May 17, 1946 in Macon, GA to Orbin and Virginia Howell, the oldest of four siblings. She graduated from Miller all-girls High School in 1964 with highest honors.

Judy met the love of her life, Ron King, through his roommate at Mercer University, where they became college sweethearts. At Mercer, Judy served as an officer of Chi-Omega sorority and remained an active lifelong member. She was elected President of the Women’s Student Union as well as Vice-President of the University’s Honor Council.

After graduation, Judy became the Children’s Minister for First Presbyterian Church in Macon GA, where she and Ron were married on August 18, 1968. Five days after their wedding, Judy and Ron moved to Louisville, KY to attend graduate school, where she completed her Masters in Education with a specialization in reading from Spalding University. While in Louisville, Judy and Ron were active members of Crescent Hill Baptist Church.

Judy and Ron were blessed with two children, Anna (married to Jake Flournoy) and David (married to Meghan). “Nana” and her three grandsons, Jack, William, and Jody, shared unbreakable bonds forged through church activities, outdoor adventures, storytelling, baking, ping pong, and card games, although Nana never conceded to her grandsons.

Judy spent her lifetime dedicated to others through her vocation in education, community volunteer roles, and her service to her church. She was a talented college professor at Indiana University Southeast and later at Columbus State University before she decided to serve as a reading specialist at Fox Elementary for 18 years. She enjoyed nothing more than instilling a love of reading in others, first and foremost in her children and grandchildren. After Judy retired, she continued her life-long passion of teaching children and adults how to read, inspiring generations of readers.

Judy was a woman of deep faith and compassion for all people. She loved God, Ron, her family, and her friends unconditionally. “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:25-26). Judy has served as a leader in many congregations and organizations throughout the years: in the philanthropic women’s organization PEO for over 50 years, as an ordained Deacon of First Baptist Church in Columbus, GA, and, most recently, as President of Columbus Technical College’s Board of Directors.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 55 years Ron, wonderful children, Anna and David, and grandsons, Jack, William, and Jody. She is also survived by her siblings Susan (Sam), Glenn (Kay), sister-in-law Vicky, and many nieces and nephews.

Judy is preceded in death by her mother, Virgina, her father, Orbin, and her brother, Stanley.

Judy’s worship service celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church in Columbus, GA with a visitation in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Columbus Technical College, First Baptist Church, or Mercer University Medical School.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the King family.