Judy Kay Ward

Judy Kay Ward, age 85 of Springville, TN, died Thursday, October 5, 2023, at TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center in Nashville, TN.

She had a long career as a seamstress, working 25 years at the Middleburg Sewing Factory in Hanover, PA, then later became the co-owner of Paris Tailor Shop.  Judy was a “Doll Doctor” who repaired porcelain dolls for people all over the country.  She formerly had a doll shop in Ohio and ran a painting business alongside her husband.  In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling the U.S. in the summers with her family.  Judy loved dancing and playing Bingo at the Springville Community Center and was a former Girl Scout Troop Leader in Henry County.  She was a member of Poplar Grove Methodist Church and the VFW where she was active and enjoyed dancing.

Judy was born January 29, 1938, in Coeburn, VA, to the late Cecil Baber and the late Vergie Lawson Baber.

She was married to Lester Ward, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her adoptive daughter whom she raised, Deborah (Bruce) Oliver of Springville, TN; daughter, Brandilyn Gutierrez; stepdaughter, Lesta Dunn; step daughter-in-law, Gale Ward; one sister-in-law, Flo Stewart; four grandchildren, Bryan (Cierra) Valentine, Cherish Campos, Damian Campos, and Levi Gutierrez; three step grandchildren, Shawn Dunn, Thomas Dunn, and William Dunn; four great grandchildren, Baylee, Branden, Jason, and Eleni; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by one stepson, Lester Ward; three sisters, Barbara Brough, Freda Baber, and Jane McGhee; two brothers, Frederick Baber and Cecil Baber, Jr.; and her loving dog, Polly.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  The body is to be cremated with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.