Judy Williams

With an undeniable zest for life, Judy Williams filled the world with music, laughter, and love. For more than sixty years, she poured her heart into youth ministry, guiding generation after generation to discover that they were loved, that they belonged, and that God’s Spirit was moving within them.

Singer, songwriter, yodeller, cake decorator, painter, and wallpaper artist, Judy lived her creativity as a ministry. There was nothing she couldn’t make, mend, or imagine. If you knew Judy, you already know she didn’t just live life — she sang it into being, painted it, gave it harmony, and invited everyone around her to join the chorus.

She was a master at creating sacred space and connecting people. Guitar in hand, Judy’s campfires moved seamlessly from playful songs, skits, and laughter, to quiet moments where the Spirit settled over everyone gathered. She instilled the tradition of the beloved “Trail of Virtues” in the Central Mission Youth Camping Program — a walk of reflection that invited youth to discover and develop principles and values they wanted in their lives.

As a little girl, Judy walked herself to church, guided by a deep, personal faith that never wavered. By the time she was a teenager, she was teaching Sunday School. In high school, her best friend Lois introduced her brother to Judy, who soon became her “Honey Bob,” and together they shaped countless lives through youth camps, community, and church. Their lifelong partnership in faith and service became a beacon for others.

Judy showed up … for EVERYONE … family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who crossed her path. Her consistent support helped others to laugh louder, sing braver, and believe more deeply. Her joyful exuberance for life refused to fade with time, and her energy was contagious.

If Judy could peek in on us now — guitar slung over her shoulder, eyes sparkling with mischief and love — she’d probably grin across the fire, her familiar dimple catching the glow, and say: “I can hear my Savior calling. I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.”

Judy leaves a legacy of devotion and love to her children Jeff, Julie, and Joey, grandchildren Kyle and Hana, great grandsons Jones and Scottie, remaining sisters-in-law Sharla, Lois, and Debbie, their spouses, and the nieces and nephews of the Stevenson, Barker, Culp, Williams, Campbell, and Norman families.

Visitation:

Friday, 7 November 2025

5:00pm – 7:00pm 

Location: 

Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E 39th St S Independence, MO 64055

Celebration of Life Service:

Saturday, 8 November 2025

2:00pm – 4:00pm 

Location:

Stone Church Community of Christ 1012 W Lexington Ave Independence, MO 64050

If you would like to be a part of continuing Bob and Judy’s work with youth, consider donating to:

Community of Christ Stone Church https://app.securegive.com/cofchrist/stone-church-mo/donate/category

• Abolish Poverty End Suffering (903)

• Campership Fund (105)

• Lake Doniphan (501)