Matlock (nees Barker, Whatley) Jewell Irene “Judy” 87, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2022, with her loving daughters at her bedside. She was born October 22, 1934, in Pensacola, FL and was a lifelong resident of Tampa. She was preceded in death by husband, Grover Lee Matlock, her father, Warren Barker, mother, Etta Barker, brothers, Jack Barker, and Johnny Barker, nephew, Jack Kittrell “Kit” Barker, and niece, Jenise Whatley. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Whatley and Marlinda Fulton (Jerry), granddaughter, Marlene Alysse Fulton Pegueros, her adored great-grandchildren, Derek, Ava, and Alexis, sister-in-law, Patricia Barker, and nieces, Teri Simmons, Fawn Hall, Denise Hoy, Patrice Barker, Michelle Johnson, and Pam Vanhoose. Judy graduated from Hillsborough High School, Class of 1953, married Alvin Whatley, and later after their divorce, married Grover Matlock. Judy had a long career as an executive secretary for Principal Financial Group (formerly Bankers Life of Des Moines). She was a gifted seamstress and delighted in teaching sewing and crocheting to her granddaughter Alysse. There was not a crossword puzzle she couldn’t solve, which resulted in a broad vocabulary and excellent spelling skills! Judy loved her daughters and was extremely proud of them both. She was their biggest cheerleader…always. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and nothing brought her more happiness and joy than spending time with her granddaughter, and then later, great-grandchildren and watching them grow-up. Judy, without blinking an eye, took Karen Booth Adams and Debbie Manrique under her loving and nurturing arms when it was needed. She was a quiet woman and preferred being in the background; but had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh. Judy was a giving friend to many. She enjoyed her visits with Debbie, Marge, and Linda. While Judy slowly slipped away due to the ravages of dementia, Lisa and Marlinda (“her girls”), relish in the joy that many times their mother would remember them and never lost her smile and loving hugs and kisses. Her girls will miss their mother; but know that she has reunited with all those that have gone before her, and she has found peace. It has been a long good-bye, but a loving good-bye.
Visitation on Friday, January 28, 2022, 1 pm with a funeral service 2 pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa. Committal service follows immediately. If desired, donations may be made to Lifepath Hospice-Teal Team, 11150 N. 53rd St., Tampa, 33617. Thank you to the outstanding Discovery Village Care Team, Vivi and her loving group of CNAs.
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