Judith Austin Gay

In Loving Memory Judith Austin Gay June 24, 1951 – September 13, 2015 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil for all the days of her life. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her........Proverbs 31:10;11;12;25;26;27;28. Judy was surely the living visable form of the virtuous woman with a clear understanding that life's most valuable treasures can't be bought and sold but given and received freely. Judith Lynn Austin was born in Huntington, West Virginia just minutes ahead of her twin brother James, to parents Jack and Fern Austin. Her family relocated to Virginia where she would spend most of her formative years and complete her high school education. Judy would endure many sorrows in her young life. Her sister, Connie, whom Judy would often describe as being intellectually brilliant, died after a brief illness. Then at the tender age of eleven, Judy was left without her mother. It showed great courage to not become embittered toward life and perhaps, this is when the seeds of Judy's faith were first sown and from which her walk with God began. Judy would, again, experience many changes in her life. Jack would remarry Ina Love and from this union, her baby sister Susan would be born. Thus began a lifetime bond that time nor distance could diminish. When Jack passed away a short time later Judy moved into the home of her good friend Wanda and her parents Hersie and Rose Wilson. The Wilsons' became Judy's legal parents and with their love and guidance Judy grew to adulthood. For the duration of their lives, the Wilsons' would continue their role as Judy's parents and the grandparents of Judy's children. Tragically, Wanda lost her life as a young adult bringing, once again, bringing intense sorrow to Judy's life. Judy was fearless in her artistic endeavors, extremely talented, passionate and limitless in any area of artistic expression she approached. She was successful with any type of medium on any surface and could literally create beauty out of bits and pieces which were evident in her jewelry and sun chimes designs. She enjoyed her time as a “set designer” for the windows at an upscale department store. Although Judy sometimes sold her designs at different venues and did commissioned mural work, her greatest pleasure lay in gifting her family and friends with these treasures. As a high school senior, Judy created a pen and ink drawing over a watercolor background which was shown locally at a student art show. Quickly recognized as a work of great talent, it received accolades and was chosen to tour selected art galleries throughout Europe. Today, that artistic piece is displayed above Daniel and Jessica's fireplace. Judy's humble spirit would no doubly view that placement as superior to any European gallery. Judy's talent would lead her to Sarasota and graduation from the Ringling School of Art and Design. To further her studies, she had the distinct opportunity to visit Paris, France on an extended student field trip, a time in her life that remained fond in her memories. But, God was just beginning to start Judy on the path to her greatest loves accomplishments, and pleasures in life. While in Sarasota, fate intervened. Beautiful Judy walked into the vision of a dark eyed handsome man and into his heart. Together, joined by God in love and marriage, Judy and Herman would walk many roads together for forty-two years. Blissful roads such as the birth of their sons, their ensuing marriages and birth of their grandsons, and the intensely painful journey, well beyond what most of us can imagine, of the tragic death of their beloved eldest son, Joshua. It is a testimony to their deep love and commitment to survive as a couple, as many would not have, in the face of such a tragedy and aftermath. Judy's first love and commitment was with her Lord and God who bestowed His blessings in the form of her family. Her family would become and would always be her most important work of art. When their youngest son Daniel was a toddler, the family relocated to Brooksville to raise their sons. Judy was well suited to be the mother to two rambunctious growing boys. Despite her gentle, loving demeanor, she had the knack of pulling those boys into line when needed. She was their constant and number one fan as they explored outlets for their energies and talents throughout her life. She was immensely proud of her boys and loved hem with every fiber of her being. Her grandsons, Joshua and Justin were her heart. She recognized Joshua's creative spirit, encouraging and participating in his forays into art and music. She understood that some of Justin's talents lies in the field of sports especially baseball. She was often seen and heard on the sidelines as Joshua played his bass clarinet in Springstead High's Marching band and Justin took command of the field with Spring Hill's Dixie Youth League. She had great faith in their futures and indeed, if they listen closely with their hearts, they may hear Grammy cheering from the sidelines of Heaven. She loved her daughters-in-laws, Cyndi and Jessi as well as she would have loved a daughter born to her, they understood this and loved her as well in return. She was Noami to Cindy's Ruth and wise councilor to her “Jessi Bug”. Having Judy as a friend was a blessing. She was always concerned about your well being above her own. You could count on her sincere prayers. She listened with an open and honest heart, gave straightforward advise which gained her the reputation of being “neighborhood mom”. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Indeed, on September 13, 2015 Judy joined the family circle of her parents; William Jackson Austin; Mattie Cunningham Austin; Hersie E. Wilson; and Rosabelle Hunter Wilson. Sisters: Jacquelin and Connie Austin; Brother: John Austin; and most especially her son; Joshua Bryon Gay. Left to mourn but still feeling her love: Husband: Herman E. Gay; son: Daniel Ryan (Jessica) Gay; Daughter-in-law: Cynthia Gay; grandsons: Joshua Bryon Gay II; Justin Bryon Gay; all of Brooksville. Sister: Susan Austin Domke of Rocklin, California. Mother-in-law: Mary L. Gay; . Sisters-in-law Ardyth Austin of Florida; Linda Gay (James) Morgan; of Brooksville; Brothers-in-laws: John (Julie) Gay; Odie (Shawn) Gay; all of Florida. It is special comfort knowing that Judy is holding in her arms Daniel and Jessica's baby that passed away before birth. Judy filled a large space in our lives and will be greatly mourned and missed.