Judy Kay Kerr, beloved wife of Terry Kerr, and true friend to countless, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024. Judy was a long-time resident of Woodlake, Vass, NC. She is survived by her husband Terry, sons Brad Kerr and wife Jeannie and Steve Kerr, and four grandchildren: Holden and Reilly Kerr and Ian and Ashley Kerr. She is preceded in death by her loving mother, Ruth Wilden Wilburn.
Judy was born on October 11, 1940, in Hutchinson, Kansas and was an only child. Her family spent some time in Panama during her early elementary years. Upon moving back to the U.S., Judy was saddened to leave her pet monkey behind. Judy spent most of her formative years in Hutchinson Kansas where she spent countless hours with her cousins Carol and Beverly. Judy developed a special relationship with Carol, who preceded her in death. Carol was one of Judy's closest friends for most of her life and was more of a sister than a cousin.
Judy spent many summers while growing up with her Aunt Krea in Hurst, Texas. This time with Krea, an educator, was one highlight of her life and positively shaped her in many ways. Judy gained her work ethic and joy of shopping from her mother, a buyer for a department store, who worked tirelessly as a single mom to support her. Judy graduated from high school in Cushing, Oklahoma and went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Oklahoma in 1962.
Being independent and adventurous, after graduation Judy traveled to San Francisco with her college roommate and life-long friend Betty, to begin her working career. Her first job was as a public health visiting nurse. While in "The City", she enjoyed her young adult life making friends and exploring California. This is where she met and married her husband Terry of nearly 60 years on October 31, 1964, who was an officer stationed at Travis AFB. They spent their honeymoon traveling across the U.S. from California to Pennsylvania to meet each other's parents for the first time. This was the beginning of their life travels together.
Upon the birth of her children, Judy took a break from nursing. However, in 1972 while Terry and the family were stationed in Seoul Korea, she returned to the profession serving as a nurse in the DOD dependent's school. After returning to the U.S. the family lived in Fayetteville, NC where Judy became a staff nurse for the Cumberland County Health Department. While raising two boys and working, she also found time to earn her master's degree in public administration from East Carolina University. This helped her land a job as Coordinator of nursing services for ambulatory care and administration at the Fayetteville, Veterans Administration Hospital. She served there from 1976 until her retirement in 1995.
Judy, alongside Terry, traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad enjoying new experiences and gathering friends around the world. She enjoyed skiing in California and Japan, scuba-diving in Bonaire, exploring Europe and Asia, and visiting unique natural and historical sites.
Judy enjoyed golf, swimming, and bridge. She was also fond of hosting and entertaining the many exchange students that spent time in their home over several summers. Volunteering and giving back was also important to her. In Fayetteville, prior to retirement Judy was actively involved with the Junior League. Afterwards, she continued to volunteer and support others. Judy spent many years as a member of the Vass Lions Club, Woman's Club and book clubs. Judy's passion for people, reading, and literacy led to her volunteer work with the Moore County Literacy Council teaching English as a second language.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00am at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Vass, NC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Moore County Literacy Council or the Vass Area Library.
Cox Memorial..."Serving GOD, by serving families in a time of need."
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