ASHDOWN — Judy Abney Lowery,

81, of Ashdown. Ark., died February 12, 2024, in Fort Smith, Ark. Born on November 21, 1942, she was the daughter of William Chester (Check) and Mona Harrelson Abney, and was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Fred Abney.

She is survived by her daughter, Monica Ann Lowery McGruder (husband Brent).

Judy was particularly proud of her two grandchildren Alexandra Abney Fletcher Godsey (husband Erich) of Fayetteville, Ark., and John Ridgeway (Ridge) Fletcher of Little Rock, Ark. They were the light of her life.

Survivors also include brothers and sisters, Horace and Martha Sue Abney of Ashdown, Ark., Nancy Cooper of Malvern, Ark., Carylon and Alton Womack of Ashdown, Ark., and Cecilia Abney of Ashdown, Ark.; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews. Judy was a very devoted daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother and deeply loved all her family and spoiled them all.

Judy was a member of First United Methodist Church in Ashdown. Judy always thought of others and had a gift for making others feel special throughout the years by sending cards to offer encouragement and love.

Judy graduated from Ashdown High School in 1961. After graduation from high school, she attended college at Henderson State University, obtaining a degree in elementary education. Following her bachelors degree, she attended Texas A and M University, graduating with a masters in reading, along with a masters in library science and media. She was an educator for 40 years, teaching the majority of her career at Ashdown Public Schools. She retired in 2005 at the age of 63. She loved teaching and each one of her students. Judy had a special love not only for teaching and for her students but also was a devoted Ashdown Panther, Arkansas Razorback, and Dallas Cowboys fan.

Per her wishes, no service will be held. There will be a private family memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ashdown First United Methodist Church or Richmond United Methodist Church 145 East Commerce Street, Ashdown, Ark. 71822; or The Good Samaritan Clinic Att: Gift Records 615 North B Street Fort Smith, Ark.72901, www.goodsamaritanfs.com.

One of Judy’s favorite sayings and a quote she reminded us all of often “Live well, Laugh often, and love much.”