Judith K. (Heck) Gray
Judith K. (Heck) Gray died on Nov. 20, 2020, at her home, with her family at her side.
Judy was born in Carbondale, the daughter of Kenneth and Lucille May Heck, on Aug. 26, 1942.
She married Roger Gray on Aug. 24, 1963, at Grace Methodist Church in Carbondale, with the Rev. Don Carlton officiating.
She was a graduate of Carbondale Community High School and Southern Illinois University.
She taught second grade in the Anna School District for 28 years. She loved her students and followed their careers and families. She was always thrilled when a former student would recognize her.
Mrs. Gray was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cobden and a life member of the SIU Alumni Association.
She adored her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
Quilting, and especially painting, were her hobbies. She produced many beautiful paintings that she often gave to family, friends and charity auctions.
She enjoyed spending winters in Florida with Roger at their home in The Villages.
She is survived by her husband, Roger, of 57 years; two daughters, Lisa (Stuart) James of Anna and Jennifer Tweedy of Greensboro, N.C.; four grandchildren; Brady (Kenzie) James of Buncombe, Colton (Amy Gerike) James of Carmel, Ind., Brooke Tweedy (Peyton) Smith of Zebulon, N.C., and Jordan Tweedy of Apex, N.C.; one great-granddaughter, Jayla Mae James of Buncombe. She is also survived by two aunts, Billie Gulledge of Jerseyville and Vivian May of Carterville, many cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her mother and father-in-law.
Graveside visitation and services for family and friends will be conducted at the Cobden Cemetery on Nov. 25 at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Dan Whitfield officiating. Interment will immediately follow. A memorial service to honor Judy’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family had requested memorial donations be made to the SIU Foundation Union County Scholarship Fund, Colyer Hall, 1235 Douglas Dr., Carbondale, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Cobden, P.O. Box 481, Cobden 62920.
To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden was in charge of arrangements.