Judy Ritter

Judy Walters Ritter died on November 6, 2022 in Jackson, Mississippi surrounded by her adoring family. Judy was born in Meridian, MS on May 24, 1931, the child of Annie Sue Westbrook Walters and Carl Franklin Walters. She attended Meridian Public Schools through the eighth grade, then moved with her family to Tupelo in 1945 where her father became editor of the Tupelo Daily Journal. Judy graduated from Tupelo High School in 1949 and moved to Jackson that same year. She enrolled at Belhaven University graduating in 1952 with highest honors.

In July, 1952, Judy married Jack Lawrence Ritter. They were married 64 years before his death in 2016. The Ritters made their home in Clarksdale for three years where Judy taught at Clarksdale High School and served as Director of Christian Education for the First Presbyterian Church. In 1956 after their first child, Jack Ritter, Jr., was born, they moved to Jackson where they lived the rest of their lives. Two more children, Ann and George, were born there and, along with their brother Jack, were educated in the Jackson Public Schools.

When her children were in elementary school, Judy returned to college earning a Master of Arts in English Literature from Mississippi College with highest honors in 1969. She taught at Mississippi College for two years, then worked for the Jackson Public Schools as assistant to the Director of Communications, staff writer and liaison with the local media. Later, she taught eighth and ninth grade English and creative writing in the JPS APAC program. Judy considered teaching her Christian vocation. A strong supporter of public education, she often volunteered in her children’s schools and served as president of both Green and Chastain school PTAs and vice-president of the Jackson PTA Council. Throughout the 1960s, a time of turmoil and change during desegregation of the Jackson Public Schools, Judy worked diligently to help keep public schools open to provide a quality education for all children.

A lifelong Presbyterian, she taught in workshops, seminars and training schools offered by the Southern Presbyterian Church (now Presbyterian Church USA), becoming a teacher consultant in Christian Education programs on the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly levels. She was a member of Fondren Presbyterian Church for many years where she served as elder and chair of the Christian Education Committee and taught Sunday School classes for nursery through adults.

Judy also volunteered with local cultural and arts organizations. She was active in the Jackson Symphony League and served as its President, was a member of the Board of Governors of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, was active in the Jackson Friends of the Library, and was a member and president of The Research Club of Jackson. Judy had a life-long passion for reading was a member and active participant of Jackson’s original Great Books reading and discussion group.

Judy Ritter was an extraordinary mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother, and served as a role model to her extended family. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Carl F. Walters, Jr., her daughter Ann Ritter Walthall of Louisville, KY, son George Ritter (Betsy) of Jackson, and nephews and niece: Jim Sneed (Melanie), John Sneed (Stacy), Jeff Walters (Edna), Lucy Walters Martin (Rob). She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack Ritter, Sr., son Jack Ritter, Jr. (Linda), and son-in-law Ralph Walthall. Also left to carry on her legacy are grandchildren Andrew Ritter (Haleigh), Sarah Love Crawford (Bentley), Kyle Ritter, Jackie Walthall, and Shawn Walthall (Sylina), and ten great-grandchildren whom she loved greatly and delighted in watching their play and growth.

The memorial service for Judy Ritter will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Fondren Presbyterian Church. Visitation with the family will take place at the church prior to the service, 9:30-11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fondren Presbyterian Church, 3220 Old Canton Road, Jackson MS, 39216, or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.