Judy Gregory

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Judith “Judy” Kay Gregory, age 80, of Joplin, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Freeman Hospital.

She was born in Webb City, Missouri on January 21, 1940, daughter of the late Durward Roberts and Stella Poole Roberts. 

Judy is survived by her three sons and one daughter, along with their spouses; John Jr. “Fox” Gregory, Joe Gregory and Kristi Compton, Jennifer Gregory and Janet Ellis, and Jake and Kim Gregory. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses; Sara Jo Gregory, John Gregory III, Matt Gregory, Jaryd and Veronica Gregory, Nick and Natalie Dolan, Kori Gregory and Tori Cocking and Mark Espinoza. Judy also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Pete Carr, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who all deeply impacted her life.

Judy grew up in Webb City, Missouri with her two older sisters, Jeanette Jensen and Sue Carr, who preceded her in death. She was married to John E. Gregory on June 23, 1957 in Miami, Oklahoma and graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1958.

Upon graduation, Judy worked for Dr. Ferguson in Joplin, Missouri for ten years. She, then, moved to Perryton, Texas in 1983 where she began working for Calvary Temple Outreach Center and started to grow her passion for serving the Lord which continued to flourish throughout the rest of her life. It was no secret to anyone that Judy loved Jesus Christ with all her heart and spread His love to everyone she met.

Judy moved back to Southwest Missouri to be closer to her family and began working for The Caring People, a ministry dedicated to helping support single moms, which she truly had a passion for, as well as volunteering at Skaggs Memorial Hospital, both located in Branson, Missouri.

Upon retiring in the late 2000s, she moved to the Redwood Gardens in Joplin, Missouri and dedicated all her time to her family, friends, and Jesus Christ, all of whom she loved dearly. All of her children wanted you to know that she was the best mom ever. Her mornings were spent in devotions and prayer with the Lord, and the rest of her days making cherished memories with her loved ones. Her true passion in life was family and she was never happier than when she was able to spend time with them expressing her love. Intercessory prayer for her loved ones was Judy’s gift and it was evident in her every act, every smile, every twinkle in her eye that she truly loved her family and friends, and never tired of showing it. Judy’s positive, exuberant spirit impacted so many and while she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and faith will live on forever.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 8th, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation following the service. Flowers and condolences may be sent to Mason-Woodard Mortuary at 3701 East 7th St. Joplin, MO 64801.