She was born on November 25, 1948, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Henry and Betty (Morgan) Lethco.
Judy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 32 years, David McNeely; her son, Darren Smith (and wife Cindi) of Conway, South Carolina; her brother, Dr. Gary Lethco, and sister-in-law, Terry Lethco, of Knoxville, Tennessee, daughter-in-law, Eve Moore, of Birmingham, AL, and her cherished grandchildren, Carmen (Smith) Fisher (and husband Brendan), of Birmingham, Alabama, and Sophia Smith, of Conway, South Carolina, as well as special Aunt Lorene Lethco, of Knoxville, TN
She is also survived by her stepchildren: Becky McNeely Smargiasso (and husband Heath) of Copley, Ohio; BJ McNeely (and wife Ashley) of Maryville, Tennessee; and Daniel McNeely (and wife Laura), of Seymour, Tennessee; along with her step-grandchildren, Gavin and Zac Smargiasso of Charleston, South Carolina; Gabby Smargiasso of Copley, Ohio; Adyson McNeely of St. Petersburg, Florida; and Lana, Cole, and Cade McNeely of Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Scott Smith of Leeds, Alabama.
Judy will be remembered for her strong faith, her strength, her deep love for family, and the care and kindness she shared with those around her. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A Receiving of Family and Friends will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the parlors of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Judy’s memory.
Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the McNeely family at www.berryfuneralhome.com
