It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce Judy Coleman’s passing. Judy was born in Roanoke, Virginia on January 12, 1941, and passed away in McKinney, Texas on September 6, 2023, with her husband and children by her bedside. She was 82 years old.
In 1961, Judy married Ron Coleman in their hometown of Salem. Upon their marriage, Judy became the quintessential example of a wife who was both loving and steadfast in her support. She stood by her husband throughout his 37-year tenure at the JCPenney company, willingly relocating their family on 14 different occasions. Judy had the privilege of staying home to raise their three children, instilling in them the vital significance of family. Their frequent moves over the years led them to spend time in New York, Ohio and most recently Texas, but Virginia and Pennsylvania were “home.”
An enthusiast of life's simple yet profound pleasures, Grandma found happiness in a myriad of activities. Singing passion of hers, from recording a single in her early twenties and eventually passing down this love of music to her children and grandchildren alike. The holidays were a special time for Grandma, as she enjoyed assembling jigsaw puzzles with family, each piece a symbol of the intricate and beautiful picture that represented her loved ones. Not to be forgotten was her talent in the kitchen; she loved baking her mother’s recipes, and her cooking was the highlight of many a family occasion. She was also an avid golfer. When Ron retired in 1997, the couple moved to Penn National, a golf resort in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. For years, they could be found playing rounds of golf with a tight knit crew of friends from the community.
Judy was predeceased by her parents, Otis Willie Keith and Ella Emmaline Dulaney Keith of Salem, Virginia and her brother, Donald O. Keith of Midwest City, Oklahoma.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Lee Coleman. They celebrated 62 years of marriage on July 1st. Judy’s greatest love was her family. Kim Witthohn (Ron Witthohn), Sherri Cognato (Tommy Cognato), and Keith Coleman (Carolyn Coleman) called her Mom. She was grandma to Lauren Cheek, Katelynn Luther (Charlie Luther), Aaron Witthohn (Emily Witthohn), Meghan Butts (Cody Butts), Leah Cognato, Jenna Rettenmeier (John Rettenmeier) and great grandma to Michelle and Logan Luther, Wyatt Witthohn, and Lilly and Calvin Butts.
A private celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2023. Prayers are welcome. The family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.