Judy Hood

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Julia “Judy” Hood, age 89 of Neosho, MO., formerly of Joplin, MO., passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at the Solace House in Joplin.

Judy was born on June 26, 1937, in Joplin, the daughter of Oliver and Agnes (Gernandt) Dedrickson. She has been a lifetime area resident. In addition to raising 3 daughters, she assisted with the operation of Hood Sheet Metal with her husband, Gerald, for over 50 years. She worked for over 21 years as a billing specialist for the law firm of Sotta & Crane before retiring.

Judy loved bowling, shopping, decorating, tending to her garden and spending time with her grandchildren.

She married Gerald L. Hood on June 2, 1957, he preceded her in death on February 13, 2020. Judy was also preceded in death by her parents, a son-in-law, Taylor Hunt, and a granddaughter, Brooke McCully.

Judy lived a life full of faith and she had a strong desire to care for people. She taught Sunday School and VBS at various times in her life and was most recently attending Newtonia Baptist Church. She deeply loved her family and friends and we will remember her quick wit and caring heart for years to come.

Judy is survived by her daughters; Brenda Howard of Monett, MO., Barbara Hunt of Rolla, MO., Beth McCully and husband Rick of Neosho, five grandchildren; Cameron Howard of San Antonio, TX., Lauren Howard of Houston, TX., Kelsey Cozby and husband Austin of Republic, MO., Keaton Hunt of Rolla and Addison McCully of Diamond, MO., and by two great- grandchildren, Carson and Caden Cozby.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the excellent care they received from
Phoenix Home Care and Solace House of Joplin. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Solace House of the Ozarks in care of the mortuary.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Doug Gripka will officiate. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends prior to the start of the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.