Judith Sullins

ATHENS - Judith Kay Jones Sullins, 80, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024. She was born August 4, 1943, in Pulaski, VA, to the Rev. Elton Finis Jones and Ruth King Jones, who preceded her in death. At the age of five, she played “The Bells of St. Mary” by ear after hearing it in a movie, thus igniting Judy’s lifelong love of music and the many friends she made through music.

A graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College, Judy married the late RADM W. David Sullins, Jr., O.D., and moved to Athens in 1969. She was the choir director and organist at Trinity UMC in Athens for 40 years, and taught piano to hundreds of students over 58 years.

Judy is survived by her sons and their wives, Dr. William David “Trey” Sullins III (Dr. Christa) and Dr. Stuart Sullins (Dr. Amy); seven loving grandsons, Timothy Sullins (fiancée Kate Petrinjak), Jonathan Sullins, George Sullins, Samuel Sullins, Andrew Sullins, Benjamin Sullins, and Spencer Sullins; sisters Eleanor Jones and Karen Jones Siklosi (David); brother Dr. Stanley Jones; special friend of over 14 years, Bill Wilson; nephew Ryan Jones; niece Katie Siklosi Bursley (Rob) and great niece Maddie Bursley.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 8, from 5:00-7:00 at Smith Funeral Home in Athens. The funeral service will be Thursday, May 9 at 11:00 at Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, with Reverend Ellen Peach officiating. Burial will follow at Sullins Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Judy’s grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Judy Jones Sullins Music Education Scholarship at Tennessee Wesleyan University, 204 E College Street, Athens, TN 37303; to Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, or to Trinity United Methodist Church. Thank you to Smith Funeral Services of Athens.