Obituary: Judy Wilson
Juan “Judy” Wilson, age 94, passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. She lived a full and vibrant life rooted in family, friendship, and community. Services are 1 pm Thurs., March 19, 2026, at Shackelford Funeral Home in Bolivar with burial in Bolivar Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 am until 1 pm Thursday.
Judy was born on October 11, 1931, to Gus and Mary Weatherington Smith. She spent much of her life in Hardeman County and surrounding counties, where she built a home filled with love, family, and lifelong friendships.
She was first married to Ray Tenry, with whom she raised her family in Morris Chapel, Tennessee. In 1980, she married William Jerry Wilson, and together they shared many years building a life and home in Whiteville.
Judy worked for more than 20 years with the Production Credit Association in Savannah, Tennessee. She was admired for her dedication and the genuine care she showed to those she served and worked alongside.
Judy was an active member of Whiteville United Methodist Church, where she remained involved in church and community life. Her life reflected the values she held dear: service to others, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for the relationships that enrich life.
Those who knew Judy remember a woman who carried herself with quiet confidence, natural elegance, and a love for life that drew people close. She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—gardening, sewing, traveling, watching sports, and most of all spending time with the people she loved. Her home was a place where family gathered, friendships were cherished, and memories were made.
She is survived by her husband of more than 45 years, William Jerry Wilson (95) of Whiteville; her children, Jerry Tenry (Kenda) of Hohenwald, Tennessee, and Cheryl McKnight (Joey) of Savannah, Tennessee; and her bonus children, Patricia Spicer of Somerville, Tennessee, Sarah Fowler (Dan) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Becky Nelson (Jay) of Salem, Arkansas.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Brian Tenry, Heather Leber, Bradley Tenry, Julie Binnion, and Katie Tenry; and bonus-grandchildren Nikki Culver, Brent Rickman, Marla Hartsook, Walter Nelson, Josh Nelson, Jordan Willett, and Lanea Murray. She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren.
Judy was preceded in death by her first husband, Ray Tenry; her parents, Gus and Mary Smith; her bonus son-in-law, Billy Joe Spicer; and two bonus-grandchildren, Jerrie Taylor and Jamie Nelson.
Judy left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her steady faith, her love of family and friends, and the warmth and kindness she shared so freely with others. A life well lived, a heart well loved, and a legacy that will continue to shine through the generations blessed to call her family. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Whiteville Methodist Church.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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