Judy Ann Rich

Judy Ann Rich was born on March 15, 1951 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of the late Hubert Sam and Ada Marie Dickey Hunt

Her family lived in St. Louis, Missouri for 11 years where she has shared many fond memories of living there and adventures which has given her family many laughs. She recalls fondly of taking care of her four younger sisters who she loved dearly. They moved to Tennessee when she was 13. When she was 18 years old she met and married the love of her life, Tommy Rich, on February 22, 1969. They raised 3 children of whom she was very proud. Judy was a housewife for many years and worked various factory jobs and secretarial jobs until she got her children through college and she pursed her life long goal of being a nurse. She completed her LPN degree in 2001 at the age of 50 and worked for Hardin Medical Center before pursuing her RN degree which she completed in 2009 at the age of 58. She was the oldest in her class and lovingly earned the name "Mama Judy" from her classmates as she always had anything they needed in her purse. Judy worked in various departments during her nursing career but her favorite was the nursing home. She said many times how much she loved elderly people and being able to care for them. Many people recall how much of a caring and loving nurse she was. Judy had a heart to do for others and you were always welcome at her house. She was glad to offer you whatever she was cooking and you could always count on a fresh cup of coffee anytime of the day or night. Her children's many friends share memories of being welcome there and the country cooking they got to eat. Judy and Tommy loved to travel and were always up for a road trip. Their favorite place to visit was the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They loved to camp and spent countless days at Natchez Trace, taking their kids and grandkids camping and making memories. Judy's next favorite pastime was crocheting and made many afghans which she gave away. Judy loved her family and they were the center of her life, but before her family, she loved her husband. Everyone who knew them talked about the love and devotion they had for another. Their love was above all else and they lovingly held hands every single day. She also loved Jesus and was saved and baptized in the Tennessee River. She was a faithful member of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church for many years for which her hands prepared hundred of meals for Sunday church dinner so the preacher would not leave hungry. She was Nanny to 6 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. She never missed a sporting event, beauty pageant, recital, band contest, or graduation and always thought her grandchild did the best and if they were giving out awards, she thought her grandchild should get it.

When she was a senior in high school, she wrote in her senior book that her future plans were to be a successful housewife, to make her husband and family happy, and to do the best in anything else she did. She did that and so much more. She and Tommy gave her children a loving, Christian home in which she modeled hard work, respect for others, along with kindness and giving. Her children and grandchildren always knew they were loved, and they will miss her every day.

Judy Ann Rich departed this life on February 13, 2025 in Savannah, Tennessee, at the age of 73 years, 10 months, and 29 days.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Tommy Glen Rich of Savannah, Tennessee; children, Christy Blackwelder (Philip), Phillip Glenn Rich (Jamey), and Vanessa Duren (Shawn), all of Savannah, Tennessee; sisters, Sandra Bonee and Peggy Morris, both of Savannah, Tennessee; grandchildren, Logan Blackwelder (Shelby), Reed Blackwelder, Matthew Rhodes, Dawson Rich, Hallie Rich, and William Duren; great granddaughter, Claire Blackwelder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her sisters, Margie White and Carol Jo Collins.