Judy Died on November 17, 2018 at Epworth Villa with all of her family present. She was Born on July 28th, 1926 in Louisville, Ky as one of eight children to Curgis and Anna Minter. Judy graduated from Louisville Girls High School and then attended Asbury University, was Graduated 1952 with a BS in English.
Her teaching career began in Martin, Michigan, where she learned and enjoyed ice fishing with her students. Additionally, Judy taught High School English in Tampa FL, St Louis and Shreveport, LA. While attending Chapel Hill United Methodist Church over the course of 40 years, one of Judy’s favorite achievements was starting the Mother’s Day Out Program in 1971 with support and encouragement from the United Methodist Women.
She directed the program for 13 years with over 250 children attending the program on a weekly basis. The program continues to be extremely successful. Judy met the love of her life when she went to live in Tampa, FL with her sister to help care for her children while her husband was stationed in Alaska while serving as a Chaplain in the US Air Force.
She made a life changing decision when she decided to marry Otis Johnston on March 15, 1957, after a few dates over a years time. They were married in Tampa, FL and immediately moved to San Diego so they could begin their life together and Otis to continue his Service in the Navy. Judy’s interests included; spending time at the beach, playing tennis, taking pictures, playing bridge, spending time with friends and family, attending musical programs and the theatre.
She was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling to all 50 states and various foreign countries, watching baseball, college football and basketball, exercising to Jack LeLane, James Bond Movies, shopping, and eating dark chocolate and drinking coffee. Judy Supported her family and Otis throughout his career with moves to Richmond, St. Louis, Shreveport, Oklahoma City, and Denver. Judy’s main focus was raising her 3 children; Debbie, Steven and Gary.
She is survived by her husband Otis; daughter Debbie and her husband Tom, son Steven of OKC, son Gary and his wife Janet; grandchildren Kaity Gilispie, Ali Ishman, Grant Johnston and Abby Johnston, Great grandchildren; Hope Ishman, Sophia Ishman and John Thomas Gilispie, numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends. The family wishes to thank the people and caregivers at the Memory Care unit at Epworth Villa, who provided kind and loving care throughout her stay. Flowers accepted or charitable donations can be directed to the Chapel Hill Mother’s Day Out Program or Children’s Ministry.
Viewing Service will be conducted Friday, November 23rd from 10 am to 8 pm at Smith & Kernke, located at 14624 N. May Avenue OKC, OK, with family members in attendance from 4 to 6 pm. Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, November 24th at 2 pm at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.
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