Judi loved life and she loved people. This exuberant love was showered on everyone in many settings all over the world. She lived simply and worked hard almost to the end of her life. She showed up to serve others wherever she was needed. We feel so blessed to have known her in more recent years in Raleigh. We will remember her beautiful example of  how to live a faithful life. Her infectious laugh and radiant smile are what come to mind over and over.

My remembrance of Judi:
  
It was Judi who made my transition from living  over a period of nine years on St. John, US Virgin Island to joining the International Goals Office at the National Baha’i Center in Evanston, Illinois a smooth transition.  Judi had a way to bring friends together as though we knew each other for years.  She often initiated luncheons out and late night dinners.  Her infectious sense of humor, her understanding heart, and loving nature made my day everyday.  
  In less than year I moved to Kathmandu, Nepal. Judi and I met again in Haifa where she was serving.  She brought me to her apartment, shared highlights of her life and listened.  Once again I felt close at heart with her.   Judi is unforgettable. 
  Assuredly she is now within the meadows of His nearness, before His presence able to roam.

Judi lived for a few years in the apartment under my mother's main house on the East End of St. Thomas. My boys and I would visit my mother every summer and I have fond memories of going down the balcony and visiting with Judi. Rest in Peace in the Abha Kingdom Judi!!!!

Karen McConathy

Many years ago, Judi came to visit my family in Los Angele for a significant occasion!

Whenever Judi visited, it felt like joy and vibrance had arrived. At that time, I was  discovering my independence and finding my voice, and it was easy to feel isolated when expressing this emerging version of myself to people who had known you since birth.

I saw her as a joyous, bright contrast. That was something I always admired about Judi. She wasn’t someone who would dive into any social flow without question. She was always ready to smile, laugh, and give a big hug to you.

I remember a morning when I was sleeping on my grandma’s couch next to the kitchen. It was around 8am, when my grandma would quietly read the paper and drink her coffee by herself. But Judi was staying over, so that morning was filled with far more conversation than my unsuspecting grandmother was ready for.

I was awake beneath the covers and, being young and nosy, eavesdropping on their conversation.

Somehow the conversations topic turned to me, and my grandma unsurprisingly remaked: “Ah… Ian’s just, you know… lazy.”

And Judi responded, “Well, Ian is a good kid,” and continued describing my heart in a kinder, more altruistic light.

It was a simple exchange, and that I’m older, I wouldn’t entirely disagree, though I’d describe me at that time as “currently unmotivated.”

But I have always remembered that moment. She defended me when it would’ve been so easy to agree and devolve the conversation further.

But that’s not Judi, and she stood up for me unaware that I was listening, during a time when I felt as though everything I did or said was being weighed on some social pendulum of acceptable or unacceptable.

She doesn’t know that I heard her, but now she does, and hopefully she feels the gratitude I still feel in my heart for a moment so simple yet so profound.

Love you as always Judi.  I know you’ll enjoy the next world that you shot up into like a brilliant firework into the starry sky. 

Ian

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life! I’ve known Judi for 3 years, but it feels like I’ve known her forever. She has been a guide and a true friend for one curious about the Bahai faith. Judi epitomizes her faith as she is …” as a lamp shining forth with the light of the virtues of the world of humanity.” ( Abdu l- Baha)
It’s an honor to call her my friend and I miss her dearly.
May the universe surround you with light and comfort.

Upon her arrival in the Virgin Islands following her service at the Baha'i World Centre, Judi lived with my late wife Magda and I on St. John. I fondly remember those days, her love for the Cause, her smile and sense of humor. May her noble soul be joined with the concourse on high in steadfast devotion and continued service.
Alan D. Smith

Judi was a true friend. Her absence will be felt by all who knew her. My first time at Meaningful Conversations, Judi said "Let’s have lunch." Over lunches, drives to dr appts, long chemo days and house visits, we had conversations about everything and nothing. She loved to brag about her 'family' which included everyone that she ever met. Judi, thank you for including me in your family.

It was wonderful to spend time with Judi who I've known for 65 years.  She will be missed.

We were deeply blessed to meet Judi shortly after she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. She was always congenial, easygoing, and a truly delightful and loving friend. Together, Arlene and Judi served on the Baha'i Meaningful Conversations Team, helping to plan, facilitate, and reflect on a weekly spiritual program centered around Baha'i writings. This service was driven by a shared desire to uplift the larger community and foster greater unity. It is just one beautiful example of Judi’s lifelong endeavor to spread love and spiritual guidance wherever she lived. She brought that same bright spirit to many other Baha'i activities throughout the Raleigh community. We will truly miss her, and our prayer is that she is now "beholding the splendors on the loftiest mount."

It was my absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to become friends with Judi. She was a very kind and loving friend who had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. I was able to visit with her on her last day here on earth. Without a doubt, she has moved on to where she is meant to be. It is my humble opinion that she is in Heaven now with all of the other Angels. Love and kisses and sweet memories to all of her family. She will be missed by all. Xoxo Cloe

OBITUARY

Judith "Judi" Ellen Bryant

August 30, 1947 – August 23, 2026

Lee Funeral Home

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