Judith Reed

Mrs. Judith Lynn "Judy" Reed, age 66, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, after a courageous nearly 30-year battle with multiple sclerosis. Surrounded by loved ones in her final moments, Judy's enduring grace and compassion remained a guiding light to all who knew her.

Born on November 19, 1958, in Jackson, Mississippi, Judy was the daughter of Mary Jean Swafford of Jackson and Louis "Corky" Smith of D'Lo. She grew up in Jackson and graduated with the Class of 1976 from Wingfield High School. From an early age, Judy had a deep love for dance. She studied tap, jazz, and ballet for many years at Lamon Goings Dance Studio and later pursued her passion academically at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Judy's dreams of a professional dance career were cut short by injury, but she carried her love for movement and creativity into every chapter of her life. She began working at the AT&T phone company on Terry Road in Jackson—a job she often recalled with great fondness for the friendships formed and memories made there. Later in life, she embraced her most cherished role as a homemaker and stay-at-home mother to her three children. When they reached middle school, she returned to the workforce briefly as a part-time substitute teacher.

Judy married Paul Reed of Jackson, Mississippi who remained by her side throughout their marriage together of 41 years. They adored each other until the very end. She was a devoted mother to daughters Meagan Babb (Adrian) of Denham Springs, Louisiana (with children Silas, Adalyn, and Summer), and Brianna Moscoso (Arjuna) of Oak Creek, Colorado (with children Augi, and Elaina), and to son Haden Reed of Provincetown, Massachusetts.

She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Karen Smith Law of Jackson, Mississippi; Janet Holiday (Sonny) of Clinton, Mississippi—along with their children Emily and Hunter; Jennifer Smith of Huntsville, Alabama; step-brother Ricky Clifton (Ann) of Starkville, Mississippi with their children Andrew and Maggie; and step-mother Virginia Smith of Raymond, Mississippi.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved parents Mary Jean Swafford and Louis "Corky" Smith as well as her nephew Jacob Hall Holiday (Janet and Sonny's son), and her aunt and uncle Werlein and TJ Barnes.

A woman of many talents beyond dance, Judy found joy in crafting—especially cross-stitching—and exploring various artistic mediums including watercolor painting. Her eye for beauty extended into photography; over the years she captured countless treasured moments that now serve as lasting memories for those she leaves behind.

Her generous spirit extended into community service as well. Judy volunteered during the construction of Kids' Town playground in Clinton both times it was built due to the first one burning down. She was also actively involved in the schools attended by her children. A devout Christian throughout her life, she worshipped at Alta Woods Baptist Church in Jackson as a child, Parkway Baptist church in Jackson as a young adult, Pineview Baptist Church in Clinton as an adult until illness prevented regular attendance.

Even through decades marked by illness and physical challenges brought on by multiple sclerosis, Judy never lost her kind spirit or sense of humor. Her unwavering love for family and friends remained constant—a testament to her strength and character.

May Judy's memory bring comfort to those who knew her and continue to inspire acts of kindness and creativity in others.

A Burial will be held on October 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Clay Cemetery Highway 34 in Piedmont, MO.

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