Judith Eileen Oakley

She was born on January 13, 1933 in Scioto County, Ohio. The daughter of the late Robert “Elmo” Jordan and Geneva Jordan. Judith was a 1950 graduate of West Portsmouth High School. On February 14, 1954, she married the love of her life Lowell Oakley who preceded her in death after 58 years of marriage.

She is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Rodney) Rosenboom of Palmetto, FL, Jody (Bart) Riley of Primm Springs, TN, Joni (Phil) Olson of Clarkson, KY and daughter-in-law Kaye Oakley of Green Mountain, NC; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; and sister Linda Latture of Searcy, AR.

Judith was an avid reader and seamstress. She served as librarian for the Palmetto Library and was instrumental in moving the library to its current location. She was always ready to welcome library patrons with a smile and book suggestions. She also was a gifted seamstress which led to her opening Judy’s Fabrics in Palmetto. Through her fabric store, she was able to instill a love of sewing in all who visited her store.

Judith was known for her love of Jesus. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Palmetto since the early 1960’s. She spread her love of Jesus by serving as a Sunday school teacher for many years and enjoyed sharing her faith through song in the choir. Judith’s favorite Bible verse was Hebrews 12:1, “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

She also enjoyed spending time with her family on camping trips, sporting events and gathered around her table for Sunday dinners. She was an avid supporter of Palmetto High School athletics for over 40 years, and she loved watching the football games from the same seats for many years. Judith also continued her love of the Palmetto Library through her membership and involvement with the Palmetto Friends of the Library.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Geneva Jordan; husband Lowell Oakley; son James Oakley; sisters Vickie Martin and Shirley LeMaster.

In honor of Judy Oakley's love for worship and music, memorial gifts may be made payable to First Baptist Church of Palmetto with "in memory of Judith Oakley." This can be done through the FBC Palmetto website or by check.

www.fbcpalmetto.com

Visitation will be Thursday July 9, 2026 from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM at Palmetto First Baptist Church followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM. Internment will be at Skyway Memorial Gardens at 1:30 PM