Judith Anne Limburg

Judith Anne Limburg, 87, a resident of Kirby Pines Life Care Community in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on February 11, 2025. She was born on June 21, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to James A. McLane, Sr. and Dorothy Lillian McLane (Dillon).

Judy married Gordon G. Limburg on December 26, 1981, in Germantown, Tennessee. She was blessed with 5 stepchildren. Dr. Kenneth Limburg, Holly Beck, Robert Limburg, Andrew Limburg, and Susan Wood.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James A. McLane, Sr. (December 20, 1997) and Dorothy Lillian McLane (June 1, 2008), as well as her sister-in-law, LuElla (Lolly) McLane (November 14, 2022). Judy is survived by her brother, James A. McLane Jr. of Germantown, Tennessee.

Judy was a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews: Barre Lee (Linda) of Foley, AL, Carrie Jester (Joseph) of Henderson, TN, James McLane IV (Tina) of Spring Hill, TN, and Laurel McLane of Germantown, TN. Great nieces and nephews: Brandon Lee (Jackie) of Foley, AL, Nicole Lavender (Sean) of Walnut Creek, CA; Shannon Clayton (Nathan) of Henderson, TN; Maggie McLane; James McLane V; William McLane; Blake McLane; and Kendall McLane. Great-great nieces and nephews: Oliver and Ryver Lee, Carter, and Carsyn Clayton.

She grew up in Allen Park, Michigan, graduating from Allen Park High School in 1954. Judy earned a Chemistry degree from Bowling Green State University in 1958 where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi women’s sorority. She later worked for the Michigan Department of Health, the U.S. Public Health Department, and retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit in 1983.

Music played a big part in Judy’s life. Her interest in music began in high school, where she played drums in the marching band and percussion instruments in the orchestra. But her love of singing started when she met and married Gordy, the baritone in her brother Jim’s barbershop quartet. Gordy’s lifetime of vocal singing, directing and arranging introduced her to his barbershop style they would enjoy the rest of their lives. A singer herself, she performed with the Hiawatha Singers in Engadine, MI, and participated in the chorus at Kirby Pines. In retirement, she and her husband spent their summers at their lakeside cottage at the Hiawatha Club in northern Michigan. They even had seasons tickets to both Michigan State and Michigan football games. When wintering in Arizona, she and Gordy dedicated their time to volunteering for the Phoenix Open, cheering on her college football teams, watching golf or just about any sporting event.

Often called “The Great Communicator,” Judy maintained contact with so many families and friends – never missing a birthday, anniversary or holiday. Prior to her high school graduation, a group of 12 girls who started kindergarten together agreed to stay in touch. That commitment was kept as three still living were in contact prior to her passing. No matter where she lived, she always left a footprint and would continue to call and write friends and family. Her Christmas card list was massive. The cell phone and text messages were her favorite way of just saying hi or remembering those special days or events.

Judy will certainly be missed but will not be forgotten.