Judy Williamson Thye's Obituary
Judy Thye
Jan. 12, 1961 - May 10, 2026
Sweet Judy… Judy was known for her warm and genuine smile, compassionate heart, and beautiful blue eyes. Her true beauty was the love she held in her heart for those who knew her. On the morning of Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, Judith (Judy) Lynn Williamson Thye passed away peacefully at home in Lakeland, FL, with her loving husband Scott by her side. Judy died with peace in her heart, knowing that she was going to a loving God in Heaven.
Judy was 65 years old. She was looking forward to seeing dear ones who had passed before her. She was born in 1961 to the late Isaac Blanton Williamson, Sr. and Jewell Pickering Williamson Riley of Birmingham, AL. Her brother, Isaac Blanton Williamson, Jr., and father of 26 years, Hobson Rudolphus (Rudy) Riley, also preceded her in death.
Judy’s greatest treasure was her family. She will be dearly missed by her husband of 43 years, Scott Randall Thye; daughters and sons-in-law, Loren Jessica Thye Haley (Bryant) and Lindsey Judith Thye Franson (Timothy); grandchildren, Lilian Judith Franson and Thomas Carl Franson, all of Lakeland, FL; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Judy can be best described as loving and lovable. She was a Southern lady who always liked to look her best and be her best, which was being gracious and compassionate to everyone she met. She truly enjoyed spending time with people, gardening, trips to the beach, time with her dogs, and above all else, time spent with family.
Judy was a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School in Vestavia Hills, AL; Auburn University in Auburn, AL (1983); and earned a Master’s degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL (2007). She served as a social worker at the Salvation Army in downtown Baltimore, MD, and later as the Director of Mother’s Day Out at Forcey Memorial Church in Silver Spring, MD. Judy was later employed by Hope Hospice, Good Shepherd Hospice, and Cornerstone Hospice as a grief counselor, where she also served as a volunteer coordinator and bereavement group counselor throughout Central Florida. Judy’s biggest achievements are not what she did, but rather how she treated others. Judy left an indelible imprint of love on the hearts of those who knew her.
Service Information:
Visitation will be at Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church, 1217 Shepherd Road, Lakeland, FL, on Thursday, May 14, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM. Graveside services to follow at Oak Hill Burial Park, 4620 US Highway 98 South, Lakeland, FL. Whether through the beauty of flowers or a gift to Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church, the family is grateful for your expressions of sympathy.
Arrangements by Gentry Morrison Funeral Homes, Southside Chapel.
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