Judy Lucille Humphrey
Judy Humphrey Obituary
Educator, Artist, Flower Gardener
Born in Florence, South Carolina, Judy grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. From early childhood Judy was known as an independent thinker and for her artistic ability.
During her childhood Judy was a Girl Scout and loved nature and animals. She enjoyed helping out at a local stable where she learned horseback riding.
Judy attended A.C. Flora High School in Columbia, SC and was a cheerleader for the Flora Falcons. She attended the University of Georgia in Athens, GA where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education in 1971 and a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking in 1973. While attending Georgia, she studied art for four months in Cortona, Italy.
She joined Appalachian State University as a Professor of Art in 1973 and became an accomplished educator and artist. She also served three terms as the Art Department Chairperson. In 1975, she was the Founding Director of the Appalachian National Drawing Competition.
She was recognized for her contributions to art and education, being listed as a notable artist and educator by Marquis Who’s Who, and received multiple awards for her artwork throughout her career.
She taught at Appalachian State full time until July 2005 when she began phased retirement.
Judy was active in local arts through the Watauga County Arts Council, and served on the Town of Boone Community Appearance Board. She spearheaded getting old residential neighborhoods in Boone zoned single family R1.
Judy was an accomplished flower gardener, tending to a large variety of perennials at her home and was active in the Boone Garden Club. She enjoyed collecting art, often trading art with fellow artist and decorating.
During retirement, she became a member of the artist group Artmix.
Judy enjoyed her cats, hiking, skiing, traveling, watching sports and entertaining. For many years, she and her husband hosted a New Years Day drop-in where friends and neighbors could enjoy homemade soup and good luck ingredients, ambrosia, and hot mulled cider, while watching a football game and enjoying the fellowship of friends.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, mother Eleanor Hopkins Humphrey, father Ray Humphrey, sister Nancy Cooper, maternal aunt Frances Hopkins Ridgell, uncle Edgar “Bit” Ridgell, cousins, Eleanor “DeShield” Ridgell Tomlinson and Edgar “Tad” Ridgell, Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Terry Estes Taylor, nephew Brian Cooper and Cousin Robert “Hop” Ridgell.
A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced at a future date.
Contributions in a memorial of Judy L. Humphrey may be made to:
Judy Humphrey Student Travel Scholarship for Printmaking Department of Art
Appalachian State University
731 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2220
Amorem Patient and Family Assistance Fund
Amorem
902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645
828-754-0101
Alzheimer’s Disease Research
BrightFocus Foundation
22512 Gateway Center Dr.
Clarksburg, MD 20871
800-437-2423
Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com
Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Humphrey family.
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