Judy Whittington Upchurch
December 1, 1948 - June 21, 2025
Born December 1, 1948, Judy Whittington Upchurch departed this world on June 21, 2025, with her beloved husband Paul and cherished daughter Crissy by her side, holding hands. The world became a little dimmer when Judy left us, but oh, what a light she was while she was here. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Sybil Whittington, and her dear sisters, Mildred Lackey and Elizabeth Whittington Guerra.
She is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Paul; their miracle daughter, Crissy; loving son, Wayne Upchurch and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends than we can count-but all of whom she loved with her whole heart.
She was a devoted Christian, and her faith was evident in the way she lived, loved, and gave to others. She truly embodied the scripture: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Judy graduated from Atlanta High School in 1967.
She met Paul when she was just 14 years old, sitting up in a tree, when he walked down the street-and from that moment on, her heart belonged to him. They married on July 1, 1967, and spent nearly 58 beautiful years side by side. Their love was the kind you read about in storybooks or see in old movies-the kind most people only dream of. It was real, rare, and absolutely theirs. They were told they might never have children, but Judy didn’t give up. Ten years later, Crissy was born, and Crissy always said she had waited in heaven to choose the perfect parents. And boy, did she choose right.
Judy and Paul were more than parents-they were a team, best friends, and two halves of a whole. Judy was one of those magical people who made everyone feel like family. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, the best aunt anyone could ask for, and a friend to absolutely everyone she met. She gave the kind of love that wrapped around you like a warm blanket-steady, comforting, and always just what you needed. You always knew when Judy was around-not just because of her infectious laugh or her warm hugs, but because of the trail of Hypnotic Poison perfume that followed her. That scent became her signature; if you caught a whiff of it, you knew Judy had been there, leaving love and sparkle in her wake.
And oh, her hugs-Judy’s hugs were truly something special. They were warm, one-of-akind, and filled with the kind of love that made you feel like everything was going to be okay. Her embrace could heal sadness, calm nerves, and make even the worst day a little bit brighter.
And of course, she never went without her beloved Dr. Pepper. Wherever she went, there was her big jug of it in hand.
Judy had a love for memories and captured moments. She kept an incredible collection of photo albums. Her albums included the people she loved and flipping through them felt like traveling through a lifetime of joy.
She loved doing hair, sitting around the table with her mom and family, telling stories and laughing until her sides hurt. She worked at Perry Brothers in Atlanta, TX, where she worked for John Cothern, who became a lifelong friend, and brought joy to everyone who walked through the door.
Judy was selfless, endlessly kind, and deeply loving. Even when she wasn’t feeling her best, she still gave her best to others. That was just who she was-sunshine in human form. We’ll miss her perfume, her laugh, her hugs-but most of all, we’ll miss her. Our Judy. Aunt Judy. One of a kind, forever in our hearts.
Funeral services were 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Hanner Funeral Service, officiated by her cousin, Bro. Jason York.
Visitation was from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., before the service. Interment was in Courtland Cemetery.
Guest registry is available at www.hannerfuneralservice. com.