We have still more
sad news today.
Judy Ward, Mathews High School Class of @ 1963, passed away in Newport News on Sunday, June 20, 2010 at the
age of 65.
  
From Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 06/22/10,
6:44 AM - "Judy
Ward":
Carol,
This
obituary appeared on 22 June in the Daily Press and was sent to me by
Bill Lee
(Warwick HS - '54 - of NC):
Judy G. WARD
GWYNN'S ISLAND - Judy G. Ward passed
away on Sunday, June 20, 2010. Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home and Cremation
Service, Mathews, Va., is in charge of the arrangements.
She was half of the folk duo, “George
& Judy”, which many of us remember from the 60’s and 70s. This austere obituary
is disproportionate to her influence on Lower and Middle Peninsula music.
Last Fall, I assisted Bill Lee in
locating Judy Ward on Gwynn’s Island, with whom he corresponded, and in taking
some images of several local venues, where “George & Judy” had once performed.
The result was one of Bill’s priceless reminiscences. It is attached:
http://www.nnhs65.com/BILL-LEE/George-n-Judy.pdf
Judy’s passing may be worthy of
mention in an upcoming newsletter. I am sure that many will remember her.
Dave
I'm sure they will. Thank you,
David - and Bill.
From
the Daily Press - 06/22/10:
Judy G. Ward
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GWYNN'S ISLAND - Judy G. Ward
passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2010. Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home and
Cremation Service, Mathews, Va., is in charge of the arrangements.
Published in the Daily Press on June 22,
2010. |
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From F.A.
Saunders (Hampton HS - '64) of VA - 06/23/10, 5:53 AM - "Judy Ward":
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailypress/obituary.aspx?n=judy-g-ward&pid=143705547
Back in the 60's the duo of
George & Judy were quite popular on the Peninsula when folk music was the
craze. From the obituary it looks like she had a wide range of talents. I
remember going to a packed house in the auditorium at Denbigh High to hear
George & Judy. If I am not mistaken she also played at Strawberry Banks
about the same time George Grove (Kingston Trio member) was playing there.
Just thought some of your readers would like to know of her passing.
F.A. Saunders HHS 64
Thanks, F.A.!  |
From Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 06/23/10,
8:08 AM - "Judy Ward":
Carol,
This expanded obituary appeared on
23 June in the Daily Press:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailypress/obituary.aspx?n=judy-g-ward&pid=143705547
Thank you, Captain.
From Bill Lee (Warwick HS - '54) of NC - 06/23/10, 11:46 AM - "Judy Ward":
If you can't find a
suitable hymn, then I recommend Someday Soon - Judy must have sung that
one a 100 or more times, during her folk-singing years - at my request.
Know you can't do vocals but if you listen to this one, you'll get a
feel of how Judy sang it. Also recommend you mention that and provide a
link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tEu9vUemgI
Thank you so much, Bill.
I had in desperation temporarily attached How Great Thou Art, but I knew
it wasn't quite right for her. This is perfect. |
From
the Daily Press - 06/23/10:
Judy G. Ward
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GWYNN'S ISLAND -
Judy G. Ward, 65, of Gwynn's Island, died June 20, 2010, in Riverside Regional
Medical Center, Newport News.
She is survived by a brother, Bud Ward; a sister, Cathryn Drummond (Jim); a
niece, Charlene Haywood (C.C.); nephews, John Drummond (Andrea), Ryan Ward, Alan
Ward and Warner Ward; a sister-in-law, Shirley Ward, and an honorary sister,
Lindy Hatch.
She was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Ward; brother,
Charles R. Ward; and sister, "Dinnie" Ward.
She was an active member of Gwynn's Island Baptist Church, where she taught
Sunday School and sang in the choir. |
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Judy Ward |
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Judy graduated from Lynchburg College in 1967 and taught science
in the Gloucester County School System. She was employed for a while at the
Virginia Institute of Marine Science but decided to make music a full-time
profession. She performed locally in the early 1960s and went on stage with
George Britt cutting a record in 1969. She entertained U.S. troops in Cuba and
Iceland. She also performed and made albums with David Shuber.
In 1976, Judy composed music and lyrics for a play "Crickets on a Hill" which
was performed as part of the observance of the Bicentennial.
In 1978 she took first place in a national hymn writing contest sponsored by the
Southern Baptist Convention and Broadman Publishing Company with the composition
"He is Lord." She later wrote a cantata of the same name, and composed other
original plays and cantatas for her church. Active in the Gwynn's Island Civic
League, she was named its Gwynn's Island Outstanding Citizen in 1999, and was
cited by Cricket Hill Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, for
community service in 2003.
In 1988 Judy became a housepainter. In 2000 she was employed by the Mathews
County Sheriff's Office as a dispatcher. She was also a realtor for Century 21
Liberty Realty Inc., Gloucester.
A dedicated member of the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, she originated the
idea of "Camp Rescue," now a summer staple in the county, teaching the basics of
emergency response to youth. She was Virginia's EMT of the year in 1992 and a
runner-up for the national EMT of the year award in 1993. She was Squad Person
of the year three times for the local squad. Judy was instrumental in the
formation of the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary and the dive team.
In 2009, with her friend and longtime rescue co-worker Clarence Minters, she was
grand marshal of the Mathews Christmas Parade.
Visitation for friends will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 24, in
Gwynn's Island Baptist Church. A funeral will be conducted by the Rev. David
Patton, pastor, at 11 a.m. Friday, June 25, in Gwynn's Island Baptist Church.
Memorials may be sent to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723,
Mathews, VA 23109 or Gwynn's Island Baptist Church Music Fund, P.O. Box 26,
Gwynn, VA 23066.
Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. View and post
condolences on our online guestbook at
dailypress.com/guestbooks.
Published in the Daily Press from June 23 to June 24,
2010.
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Catherine, Bud and Family,
Judy was such an inspirational person. She gave of herself to her
family, church, friends, co-workers and her community. Mathews County
was a better place because of her. I think one of Judy's best qualities
was her sense of humor. She had a dry quick wit. She could catch you off
guard sometimes with it and make you laugh when that was the last thing
on your mind. Judy always treated people the way she wanted to be
treated. Judy brought joy to so many with her beautiful singing. Last
night I thought of what a wonderful reunion she must be having with her
family & friends and singing with the angels. That made me feel better.
Who knows she may even being doing the "pot hole" voice for them. My
life was made fuller and richer for having the honoring of calling her
my friend and co-worker. I will miss and love her always.
One of the brightest lights in
the world has gone out. What will we do without Judes?
Judy will sadly be missed by a
great many people in Mathews County. My heart goes out to her family.
Ryan, Alan, Warner and Bud,
You have our deepest sympathy for the passing of your dear Judy. We know
how much she meant to each of you. We are here to support you in
whatever you need.
Love,
Cynthia, Carleton, Ashley and Cole Garrison
What joy Judy has brought to so
many of us over the years, with her music and her kindness. May she rest
in peace and rise in glory, and may the music never cease.
Cathryn, Bud and all. So sorry
to read of Judy's passing. I had hoped and prayed that she would beat
that cancer. You all have said too many good-byes in the last few years.
I am so sorry. I remember so vividly our growing up together. I even
remember rocking Judy to sleep while you and Dinnie did the lunch dishes
so that we could go down to the river shore. Memories...memories.
My love and sympathy to you all. Lanie
Though I won't be able to play
or sing with Judy any more in this life, I know there's now a new singer
in heaven's choir. Get down easy, Judy!
So very sorry for the loss of a
most vibrant woman
Judy was such a special person.
She was very talented and a joy to be around. Our sympathy to all of her
family. She will be missed.
With love,
Sandra and Dickie Godsey
God has an angel singing and
rejoicing in heaven.
The world was a better place
and we are better people for having known her. Rest in peace, my friend.
So
very sorry for your loss, Bud. All my best to your family.
Who would have thought, that so
many years ago
One guitar picking girl, could teach us all we need to know.
And this is the perfect season, to let her spirit show,
One guitar picking girl, One guitar picking girl,
One guitar picking girl, taught us all we need to know.
She fought the good fight until
the end, I will think of her each time I play her music, she will always
be remembered by those who appreciated her kindness and simplicity.
Cathryn, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May
your memories bring you comfort. It's been a long time since I have seen
you but I wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and your
family.
Dee Buchanan Verlander
We are so sorry to hear of
Judy's passing. She meant so much to so many people. You are all in our
prayers.
Anthony & Vickie
My
thoughts are with you all during this time.. Judy was such a large
presence in Mathews she will be greatly missed.
~ Ann Marie Haywood,
Bavon, Virginia
May the Lord's peace be with
you, Bud at this time of sadness.
Janice (Grandma J)
~ Janice LeDoux, Texas
To Ms. Catherine and family~
I have so many wonderful memories of Ms. Judy growing up. The heavens
have a special angel. My heart goes out to your family.
~All Our Love~
~ Beth, Jimmy,
Ethan and Faith Tinsley, Pinellas Park, Florida
We were deeply saddened to hear
of Judy's death on Sunday. What many contributions she made to our
community for so many years. She will be greatly missed. She played at
my wedding many, many years ago. Our thoughts are with her family and
friends. Annie Wortham and Neil Webre
~ Annie Wortham, Cobbs Creek,
Virginia
We are all going to miss Judy
so much. She was always so wonderful to Charlie and Teenie, and they
loved her so much. Cathryn, Bud, and boys, please let us know if we can
do anything for you.
~ Cousin Joy, and Ted, Suzie, and Kathryn
Judy's music and personality
are a part of many of our lives... her memory lives on in so many ways.
Although I had not seen her in a while, I can close my eyes and see her
smile and hear her laugh...
~ R. Bruce,
Fredericksburg, Virginia
My thoughts and prayers are
with you in your time of grief. Judy was one of the best.
~ Addison Read, Berlin,
Massachusetts
Dear Cathryn,
Be comforted by the memories of her songs of joy and praise to the Lord.
~ Brenda Hudgins
Humphreys, York Co., Virginia
Judy was one of the nicest
people I have ever known. I will always remember her for that smile that
was always on her face. She has helped so many people in Mathews County
and all over the world. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
She is free of her pain now and singing along with all the other angels
in Heaven. God bless, Judy!!!!!!!
~ Pat Hudgins, Hallieford, Virginia
Contact Me
Judy
was such a wonderful asset to Mathews County and will be missed by all!
You never saw her without her smile and willing to help others! Deepest
Sympathy to Bud and all the family! Heaven has just received another
angel!
Renee Edwards
~ Renee Edwards, Mathews, Virginia
Judy was a positive influence in my life since I was a teenager, when
she headed up the Jr. Civic League on Gwynn's Island. What a great
spirit. Tim Rowe Gwynn's Island.
~ Tim Rowe, Gwynn's Island, Virginia
Contact Me
Cathryn, Bud and boys,
We are just heartbroken over Judy's passing. She was such a huge part of
our lives during the Judy and David days. We had so much fun and
adventures and made some wonderful memories. Our children grew up with
Judy's music and it inspires us still.
"Christmas with Judy and David" is such a legacy she leaves us. I can
see her now standing in my bathroom (soundproof recording studio!!) and
hear her singing One Little Baby Boy. We are so fortunate that we can
hear her voice forever and smile knowing she is at peace.
When my mother passed away, Judy told me I now had a beautiful advocate
in heaven. Well, now we all have Judy as our beautiful advocate in
heaven. Love, David and Ginger Shuber
~ Ginger Shuber,
Mathews, Virginia
After thirty-plus years
and a few hundred miles of separation, I had a sudden urge last year to
contact Judy. Delighted with the contact, she enthusiastically helped me
created a warm and 'somewhat' innocent reminiscence of those wonderful
years when she entertained so many, so ably, and in so many venues. In
October, 2009, I shared the story with a number of her fans from the
60's and 70's. Now I know what I thought was but an urge was really a
premonition...
~ Bill Lee, Monroe, North Carolina
Contact Me
I am so saddened by Judy's death. Even though I have not
seen her in so long, I have thought and spoken of her
often. I consider myself blessed to have known her and
shared the love of EMS with her from the time she
started her EMT class, way back when. I loved her music
and I am go glad she touched my life.
To Bud,
Cathryn, and all of Judy's family and loved ones, I am
so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and
prayers are with you all.
Bud, I know
you and Judy were very special to one another. She was a
rare person that really did make a difference in the
world and lives of many people. My condolences and
deepest sympathy are with you and your family.
Cathryn,
Bud and Family & Friends of Judy,
I had the honor of knowing Judy in the mid 70s and
playing music with her at Strawberry Banks for
several years. She taught me a lot about music and
performing on stage, and more importantly, about
being a person. I'll never forget her. You are all
in our prayers...."and I will dwell in the house of
the Lord forever".
My
thoughts and prayers are with all of Judy's
family. She will be so greatly missed. I feel so
blessed to have known her and that my children
were able to know her and experience her love
and kindness! The memories growing up during the
Buckaroo years, youth retreat, singing the songs
that she wrote. He is Lord is just one of those
songs that I find myself humming frequently. I
will always remember her smiling face in the ER
as she served her community through the rescue
squad. She touched so many people throughout the
years. She was a truly extraordinary person.
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Our sincerest condolences are
extended to Judy's family and their friends and all her many fans.
From Bill Lee (Warwick HS - '54) of NC - 06/23/10, 2:30 PM - "Judy Ward":
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Someone posted this great
1974 photo of her on the D/P guest book - worthy of being added to
the NNHS memorial page for her, I believe.
Also, the following
link (another rendition of Someday Soon by Suzy Boggus) includes
video of her playing her guitar...very much like Judy did (including
some 'moves')!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux1VpP0bZio&feature=related
Excuse me while I go back and watch/listen again. |
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1974 - Judy Ward |
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Thanks so much, Bill, and my
condolences on the loss of your friend. |
Y'all take good care of each
other! TYPHOONS FOREVER! We'll
Always Have
Buckroe!
Love to all, Carol
==============================================
NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE:
http://www.nnhs65.com
PERSONAL WEB SITE:
http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat
==============================================
Carol Buckley
Harty
618-530-9092
Someday Soon
Originally a
Swedish folk melody, "O Store Gud" by Carl Boberg (1859-1940)
was translated by Stuart K. Hine in 1899.
There's a young man that I know whose age is twenty-one
Comes from down in southern Colorado
Just out of the service, he's lookin' for his fun
Someday soon, goin' with him someday soon
My parents can not stand him 'cause he rides the rodeo
My father says that he will leave me cryin'
I would follow him right down the roughest road I know
Someday soon, goin' with him someday soon
But when he comes to call, my pa ain't got a good word to say
Guess it's 'cause he's just as wild in his younger days
So blow, you old Blue Northern, blow my love to me
He's ridin' in tonight from California
He loves his damned old rodeo as much as he loves me
Someday soon, goin' with him someday soon
When he comes to call, my pa ain't got a word to say
Guess it's 'cause he's just as wild in his younger days
So blow, you old blue northern, blow my love to me
He's ridin' in tonight from California
He loves his damned old rodeo as much as he loves me
Someday soon, goin' with him someday soon
Someday soon, goin' with him
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