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Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Judith Kay Anderson Mearns of Flora passed away January 29, 2017 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield from complications following heart surgery.
Judy was born in Xenia, Illinois on September 18, 1941, the fourth child and daughter of Paul Forsythe and Mildred (Gabbert) Anderson. She married Merle Edwin Mearns of Louisville on May 7, 1961 and he predeceased her on May 2, 2004.
A 1959 graduate of Flora Township High School, Judy began her career as bookkeeper at Flora Lumber Company and later worked for Wabash Telephone Coop in Louisville. She retired from Wabash in 2004. She also worked with her husband in grain and cattle farming and operating an independent crude oil business which Judy continued to operate after Merle’s death.
At different times Judy was active in many organizations including the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, Desk and Derrick Club of Olney and Home Extension. In years past she was a volunteer with the Shagbark Girl Scout Council and the Illinois AARP Money Management Program for Seniors. She became a member of the Vinsans Trace Chapter of the NSDAR in 1998 and served in various offices culminating in three terms as Regent and one term as the Illinois State NSDAR Treasurer. Judy was a member of the Flora Chamber of Commerce and served as the Board Treasurer until her death. She was also a member of the Flora Community Development Corporation (FCDC) and active with the Flora Depot Project and particularly proud of the George Rogers Clark statute, a joint project of the DAR and FCDC, and of the ILDAR Liberty Bench, both located on the grounds of the Depot.
Judy was of the Presbyterian faith and was a member of the Zion Presbyterian Church in rural Xenia (where she sometimes played the piano), which later transitioned to the First United Presbyterian Church of Flora. In recent years Judy became a member of the Flora Southern Baptist Church.
Judy is survived by two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Alice Williams of Newton, Marsha and Richard Taylor of Marion and Lee Newton of Xenia. She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews and their families. Judy was predeceased by her parents, her husband and the following sisters and brothers-in-law: Phyllis and Joe Shidaker, Doris and Charles Songer, Carol Newton and Nelson Williams.
A memorial service for Judy Mearns will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Dr. Joel Hackney officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Flora Southern Baptist Church or Vinsans Trace Chapter NSDAR or FCDC Depot Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home. To share a condolence or memory with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Dear classmate, 1959
My deepest sympathy to Judy's family. Judy was a very special person to me and I will miss her terribly. Her and I had many long talks and I will cherish those memories forever.
Sad to hear about Judy's passing. We go way back to Xenia Grade School in 5th grade. Our sympathy to her sisters and their families.
To the family of Judy, am so sorry for your loss, she was always a pleasant and sweet lady, have known her since we were very young, always friendly and very caring, will be missed by so many. God be with all of you.
I enjoyed working with Judy as a "Designing Woman" for the Depot. So sad to hear of her passing.
I'm so sorry for the loss of Judy..she was so special to me and my family and we will miss her terribly..
So sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing her in our neighborhood. My sister, Suzanne Henson, and Judy were childhood friends as well. We both send our condolences.
Judy was a "treasure" of a State Treasurer for the Illinois DAR! Condolences to her family and friends.
Judy was always fun to be around , a good customer for many years, always like to chit chat with her.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Judy Mearns. We served on the State DAR board together and she always had a ready smile even when she was not feeling well. She was a very thoughtful and caring person and I have many fond memories of her. May your many memories sustain you at this time.
Judy, You were a true shining light in your life here with us and your light will continue to shine even brighter forever. All my love, Rita
Marsha and Alice, I was sorry to read about Judy's passing. My prayers are with you. Dana
Marsha, I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I am certain this will be a rough time for your and your family. In case you can't remember me--I am one if the Woomer twins. We visited your home many times. I enjoyed the sleep overs too. I remember one particular night that your Mother had no-bake cholate drop cookies. They were exceptionally delicious that night. Your parents were always so nice to us and your Mother always had a sweet heart-warming smile. I never did think your dad seemed mean enough to be the principal...but I might have thought differently if I had been sent to his office. I'll never know because I was scared to misbehave. Thank you Marsha for being such a great friend to me in school. It hasn't been forgotten. Hugs and prayers ate sent your way for you and your family.
Sorry to hear about Judy's passing. We worked together for several years at Wabash Telephone.
So sorry for your loss. Judy was a sweet lady, was fun to play cards with, and made great coffee. 😊
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our Prayers are with the family.
We will miss our 1959 Flora Prom Queen. So Sorry.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]