Julia Jane “Judy” French, 90, Virginia, died Monday, May 30, 2022, at her home.
She was born Aug. 23, 1931, in Virginia, the daughter of Jessie Rex and Grayce Noreta Clemons Cox. She married Jackie D. “Jack” French on August 23, 1953, in Virginia, and he preceded her in death on July 21, 2000.
She is survived by her son, Davey French (special friend, Kaye Reno) of Virginia; her daughter, Julie Ackerman (fiancé, Steve Harris) of Ashland; three grandchildren, Jason (Jennifer) French, Casey (Ashley) French and Jackie Ackerman, all of Virginia; seven great grandchildren, Matt Drane, Nick French, Zack French, Caroline French, Claire French, James French and Bailee Beiermann; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Fancy. She was greeted by those who love her, her parents; her husband; one grandson, Michael Ackerman; her sister, Ina Mae Vaughn; and three brothers, Jessie Cox, David Cox and Ray Allen Cox.
She was a 1949 graduate of Virginia High School. She owned and operated Judy’s Beauty Shoppe located on Virginia’s square, where she worked until the age of 85. She was a hometown celebrity, singing with the Virginia Buckaroos every morning on a Jacksonville radio station with her brother and sister in the late 1940’s. She also performed with other Virginia residents singing country western music at the first Virginia BBQ. In 2016, she was chosen to be the Grand Marshall in the Virginia BBQ parade.
Judy’s spunky personality led her into the woods – she enjoyed traveling to Colorado to hunt Elk with her husband, Jack, every October. She also enjoyed deer hunting and fishing locally. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Virginia, where she was a member of the handbell choir. Judy was a fan of her grandkids’ and great grandkids’ events and activities. When she wasn’t cheering them on, she was a Chicago Bulls enthusiast. Above all, Judy cherished and adored her family.
A funeral service was held 11 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Smile Foundation USA or First Presbyterian Church of Virginia.
The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.
