My precious Jesus felt forsaken in death! My beloved Savior felt
every human pain that we have felt on this Earth! This alone has brought me comfort. Jesus. My Jesus.

There are no words that can describe the pain and void left  behind in my mother’s death. But the truth is, she equipped us with everything we need to survive in this world. She gave us
Jesus. From the day we were born, in every aspect of her life, she showed us Jesus. God is truly bringing into completion his work in her. “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” Philippians 1:6 

My dear friend said to me in all of this, “Rebecca, these people we love, they do not belong to us.” As we watched my mother’s heartbeat slow until it was no more, we offered her back to
Lord. We thanked Him for the precious gift of her 67 years with us. We worshipped Him, and read Revelation 22 over her, as her spirit left her body to join Him.

“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of
this book.” (Revelation 22:7) 

“There’s nothing you could do to make me not love you.”
I heard this phrase daily as I was growing up and it set the foundation for the rest of my life.

Romans 8:38 says, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present or things to come,  or powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As I was growing up, I knew nothing could separate me from my Mom’s love. She was ALWAYS there when I needed her. Looking back on my days in cancer treatment, she never cried, never lost hope, never wavered. I now know as a mother, that those days were harder on her than they were me. Watching me vomit as chemo went into my veins and all of my hair fall out, she never stopped pointing me to Jesus. I once said to her during my treatment, “Mom, I can’t even pray anymore.” She didn’t have some lofty advice or encouragement to keep praying, she simply
said, “Thats okay honey, we will pray FOR you.”

For a time, my sisters and I strayed away from the faith that we had been raised on. Even knowing that the way we were living grieved and dishonored my Mom, never once did we ever feel like we could not run to her. She was always ready and waiting with open arms, like the prodigal son’s father. Once in college, a boyfriend stood me up on valentine’s day and I called my mom
brokenhearted and drunk at 3:00 in the morning. In a half hour, my mom was knocking on my apartment door. She crawled into bed with me as I sobbed myself to sleep. The next morning,
she informed me I was skipping my classes and we were going shopping! There was no judgment, no lecture, just a day of fun to get my mind off of things. 

She was our soft landing, our safe place.


Dear Mom,

I can hear you say, “There is nothing you could ever do that would make me not love you.” You told me this often as I was growing up. I would laugh and say, “What if I robbed a bank or beat up Becca and Laura?” She would reply every time, “Nothing.” I certainly put this to the test the older I got and the more mistakes I made, but you were always there with arms open wide. You were such a strong prayer warrior, and you prayed me out of many difficult situations. You were my rock and I wish I could have rescued you the way you did me so many times. 
I love and honor you for your spirit of contentedness. You didn’t get caught up in things most women do. You didn’t care about the best handbags or luxury vacations. You gave up a great career so you could stay home with us and be there. I never heard you complain. Whenever I asked what you wanted for Christmas and birthdays, you would always say, “I just want to be with my family.”
You were a superb judge of character. You could always tell when people were trying to take advantage of me or anyone else. But you were also merciful and empathetic. I can remember when you were treated rudely by a stranger or someone you knew you would always say, “It’s okay. You never know what kind of day they’ve had or what they are going through.” Because of you, I can put myself in other’s shoes. You taught me forgiveness, no matter what someone said or did. 
Your kindness to strangers and those less fortunate will forever imprint on my heart. You taught me how Jesus loved the orphans and those abandoned by the rest of the world. You were not easily impressed by the wealthy and famous and were constantly keeping an eye out for the lonely and forgotten. 
Your joy filled the house with laughter. There were many days I felt so down and your humor lifted me up. You were never afraid to poke a little fun at us and we always deserved it. 

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. 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. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.



Thank you everyone for coming. Anyone who knew my mother knew what an amazing woman she was. Her laughter was contagious, her love for people was deep, and she had a heart that wanted to serve. She would serve women and children in underprivileged neighborhoods, even alone, but she never feared for she knew God was with her. In fact, my kids often say, “Tell us the purse story.” Before my mom met my father in college, she went on a date with a young man. Toward the end of the night, they were jumped…she showed no fear and fought until they ran away from her.

She was a fighter. She fought beside my sister while she had cancer. She fought beside me through heartache and health problems. She fought for her life until the very end. She was a friend to the lonely. She would play Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles and say, “Look for the lonely people Laura and love them. You don’t know what they have been through.” 

Mom had a way with children. If there was a hurting child, she would get them to open up until the pain was gone. She wrote stories that enchanted them. “Tell us the story of Scratchy Bear!”, they would say. “Read us your book about the moon!” She ministered to all types of people. People who were lonely, hurt, trapped in addiction, and even the occult. She ministered up until she passed. Even in her pain, she brought her nurse back to God. With tears in her eyes, her nurse said, “Your mom made me believe again.” She held us and cried with us. 

My mother was a wife of noble character. Proverbs 31:10-31 reads…



I will fondly remember Judy as Miss Judy at Westminster. She was a wonderful, caring teacher and co-worker. She will be missed!! My prayers are with your family at this time. 

Judy was a beautiful lady on the inside and the outside too. Her eyes would sparkle as she gave a big smile to the little children at Westminster. I had the privilege of knowing her there. She was such a kind, loving and patient person. She was greatly missed after her retirement. You have my sincere condolences. Joan Coode

My friendship with Judy began many years ago, spanning prison ministry together, college ministry together, even through a cancer journey with our children.
 A special memory forever embedded in my mind is Judy waiting in her car in my driveway when I pulled in after the long drive from Vanderbilt where my mom had just passed away.
 Over the years, we did not always stay in close contact, but the friendship never wavered. 
The past year and 1/2 has been an incredible journey of renewed very close friendship. Judy has blessed my life over and over again. She has been my encourager, my confidant, my amazing prayer warrior and prayer partner. She has been my Bible Study partner, my shoulder to cry on, my lunch partner, my 6 hours on the back porch for our 2 hour scheduled time together friend, my one to share my deepest feelings about life, the state of the world and so many conversations about Jesus, his amazing love for us, our love for him and eternity.
Her heart was as big as Texas. She loved deeply and completely. Jesus was her first love and it was evident in the way she loved Ralph, and the way she loved Rebecca, Sarah, Laura and her grandchildren. It was evident in the way she loved everyone.
When Scripture says we should walk as Jesus walked and love like Jesus loved, that was Judy!
I have a hole in my life right now without her here but I know she is safe in the arms of Jesus! 
Till we meet again, my dear friend! 

Very few people know what it is like to have a friend like Judy.  Ever the encourager, she also knew when to tell me, "Well, all the waaaambulances are busy tonight, so you'll just have to suck it up, Buttercup."  She always knew how to strike the balance between patience, grace, and tough love.  

We often talked about how our friendship was so solid because we were both so direct and non-judgmental with one another.  We would laugh as we would wonder aloud why so many people choose to be indirect, when our way seemed so much easier.   We didn't agree on everything, but we knew how to disagree without jeopardizing the friendship.  That's rare.  

She loved me when I was at my worst, and she loved me into being my best.  Fiercely loyal doesn't begin to describe her.  I knew ALWAYS that Judy had my back, and she knew that I ALWAYS had hers.  I have been blessed with many wonderful friends, but Judy created a new category of friendship that I didn't even know was possible.  

My heart is shattered to think I won't see her again this side of heaven, and it is shattered all the more by the knowledge of how much Ralph, Rebecca, Sarah, Laura and their families have lost.  It's unbearable to contemplate it.  

I love you, Judy, and I miss you so very much.  What I wouldn't give to have one more porch visit with you.

Watching Star Wars at the movie theater for the first time and a fun high school graduation.  

I met Judy through the Antioch ladies Bible class many years ago.  Judy was an encouragement to me when I was struggling with my faith.  When I confided my doubts to her, instead of condemning me for my lack of faith or thinking I was crazy, she told me about her faith journey and encouraged me to keep seeking.  I did.

Judy touched many lives including mine. She was a woman of prayer. A woman who loved the Lord passionately.  A woman who loved people.  I will never forget her example, her kindness, her passion, and her love.   I will never forget the effect she has had on my life and the lives of others. 

Judy was a very special lady to me!! Always cheerful with that beautiful smile on her face! A very petite picture of loveliness; a powerful prayer warrior that deeply loved JESUS!!! I'm sorry I won't see her again on earth, but we'll worship JESUS together when we unite in heaven!!!! Our words of sympathy & love have already been sent to Ralph & the family!!! POST this please!!!

I am so sorry for your loss! I think I am still in shock as I just heard about her illness and passing yesterday. Judy is in many wonderful memories.  I know we will see her again one day. Prayers going up.

Sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends who were fortunate enough to have known Judy. She was a kind person who will always be remembered by all whose Iives she touched.  No doubt she has earned  the promise of everlasting life in the Kingdom of Heaven.  May God Bless her Soul as she now Rests in Everlasting Peace.

I knew Judith as Judy at Waggener High School where we were such good friends.  We had some classes together and often walked home from school together, frequently stopping at her house to share the drama of the day and have an after school snack which more often than not was a BLT sandwich.  Though our lives went in different directions after graduation and we lost contact I always hoped to see her at our high school reunions. I’m so sad to know now that she will not be at our 50th next summer. She has always held a special place in my heart and I am deeply sorry for the loss to all her family. May she Rest In Peace. 

Several years ago when Aunt Margaret was still living she and Judy came to Monticello for our annual family reunion. Judy left Tennessee, went to Louisville to get her Mom and head down on that Friday to Monticello.  I do not remember exact times but we were at Jack and Ruth’s waiting and planning to eat supper. Jackie was also there. We waited, and waited, and waited. Finally a couple of hours later we ate.  And we waited. Finally they arrived. Nearly dark. They had gotten so lost, made so many wrong turns etc. But what I remember most is their telling of the story. It was hilarious, and the two of them were so funny.  We all just laughed and laughed. They could hardly eat but a fun evening to remember. 

Ralph and family Larry and I are so sorry to hear about Judy it’s a shock to us she was a beautiful wonderful mother ,wife and christian lady.  If you need anything or would like to get together and just talk let us know we would be glad to get together with you.    We  love you,  Larry and Janice Green. Ph# 615-834-0886

I am so sad that you lost Judy! She is a rare gem! There are to many memories to just share one. I am so glad that Judy was part of my life. She enriched it with her love for God,Ralph and her three girls. Life took us in different directions but the impression she made on my life will never be forgotten! Your family is in my prayers!!

I first met Judy when we were 9 years old. We went to Westport Road Church of Christ together for years. We had slumber parties together, went to church camp together and spent hours on the telephone.  She was beautiful and a wonderful person. My prayers are with her family. 

This world has lost a gem. "Miss Judy" (as I would have known her) exuded love as much as anyone I've ever known. It was apparent to anyone that way she and Ralph modeled what it is to be of one heart and mind, joined together in Christ. This has inspired me in my own marriage and they set a beautiful example for Rebecca,  Sarah, and Laura to follow in their marriages/parenting. She also had the heart of a mother for those who were not her own and treated us all with tender warmth and patience. Her rewards in heaven will be great as she truly understood how to live with purpose, advocate for the least of these and to enjoy God's best gifts -- but I can only imagine the pain left of those left behind. To Ralph, I know you've lost your other half too soon and believe His grace is with you as you find your way forward through every stage ahead. To my friend Rebecca (& Kevin), to Sarah & Laura (+ husbands) and the grandkids ...I am so sorry.  I know you all cherished her more than life itself and wished you had more time. I wish so much that I could be with you to celebrate her life and graduation/glorification but also to mourn this sudden loss. We actually left Murfreesboro yesterday from a recent visit but I only found out when we returned home to Florida last night, otherwise I would have been there with you. -- Miss Judy...I will always hold a place of love and remembrance for you in my heart. I am confident we will meet again and carry this truth in my heart that Jesus will keep His promises to one day make ALL things new.  

I am so very sorry for your loss. Judy helped bring me into the young professionals class at Antioch and was such an inspiration to me. I often think about a time in class when she spoke so eloquently about avoiding giving Satan a stronghold in your life.  Her words and example will truly live on.  
You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Love, Lois 

Judy was a truly gentle and kind human being. The world is worse without her in it. My heartfelt condolences to her family who I know loved her very much.

I will always remember Ms. Judy from my youth. So many retreats, camps, Devo's, firesides that she and Ralph attended or hosted. As I got older I would see her around town, quite frequently, and she would always stop to talk and comment on how beautiful my babies were. Ralph was usually not far behind when I would see her out 😃 What an amazing woman and such a great example of how we should be like Christ. Fly high pretty lady!

Judy was a spiritual giant in my life .  I have so many wonderful memories of sharing life with Ralph and Judy and Rebecca, Sarah, and Laura. My heart is broken but my spirit rejoices with the knowledge that Judy is in the presence of the Lord. I can just see her hands raised in worship, those blue eyes sparkling! Jesus conquered death and Judy is alive!


There's so much I could say about Judy that it's hard to narrow it down to one memory. She was incredibly kind, a passionate mother and wife, and always made me smile and laugh. She had a willingness to believe in people and give second chances. I'm so thankful that years ago we had a girls Bible study weekly with her and I got the chance to spend more time with her as an adult. She's been in my life for years, but building a relationship as a peer instead of a friend's mom was really special. She had so much wisdom she was willing to share with us, and fervently prayed for us (and many other people in her life). She was so proud of her girls, and raised 3 beautiful, strong, compassionate women. I have a Christmas ornament she gave me when I had my first daughter, and every year it goes on my tree and I think about her. Her beauty and kindness will live on in her children and grandchildren through the impact she made in their lives. I'm so grateful she was a part of mine. I love you, Thompson family. Praying wholehearted for your comfort and peace. 

My memories of Judy are far to countless to name!

I appreciate the way she welcomed me into her family as a mischievous 10 year old, I loved her sensitive and empathetic heart towards (literally) everyone. And one of my most treasured memories was the weeks I got to spend going through a Bible study with her. 

A gaping hole is left on this side of heaven with her passing. What a joy it will be to enter the gates of heaven and embrace her once more as we worship Jesus together for all eternity. 

OBITUARY

Judith Pickerill Thompson

April 3, 1954 – October 27, 2021

Roselawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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