F. Judith “Judy” Burris (Dougherty) died peacefully in her home on July 12th in Bear, DE at the age of 83. Judy is survived by her husband, Ronald; children, Trace (Sharon), Rene’ (Michael); granddaughters, Melissa (Eden), Kathleen (Ryan); great-granddaughter, Ember; brothers-in-law, Glen (Sheila), Bill Cox, Art Loveless; Sister-in-law, Beverly Davis (Burris). She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas P. Dougherty and June E. Dougherty (Rash); her sister, Teri Cox (Dougherty); parents-in-law Harvey S. Burris and Ruth V. Burris (Davis); sisters-in-law, Ruth Lawson (Burris), Eleanor Loveless (Burris); and brother-in-law, Ed Davis.
Judy was born on September 21st in New Castle, Delaware to Thomas P. Dougherty and June E. Dougherty (Rash). She graduated from William Penn High School in 1956 with a concentration in secretarial studies. She married Ronald, her high school sweetheart in 1957. After graduation, Judy began working for Wilmington General Hospital as a secretary for the Maintenance Department Supervisor.
Over 64 years, the couple welcomed 2 children, 2 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild into their home. Her family remembers her as a kind, gentle, patient, driven wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend who always believed in them and encouraged them to pursue their goals. Judy was accomplished at sewing, photography, cooking, and baking and often did photo shoots with her family, some more willingly than others. She was a dedicated individual who loved helping others.
She was passionate about helping students with writing and grammar which she did throughout her 20+ years volunteering as a classroom aide for Ms. Peggy Byrem at Gunning Bedford Middle School. She also enjoyed volunteering her time at Loders Sewing Center, helping to teach others how to use new sewing machines. She was an active and dedicated member of the Brandywine Region Antique Car Club Association. She and Ronald shared their love for antique cars including their own 1929 Model A Ford. Judy delighted in photographing the progress of the car as Ron restored it back to its original glory.
She enjoyed going to various car club events, car shows, and numerous parades in which the Model A participated. She especially enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, who knew Judy as Dee Dee; Melissa, whom she lovingly referred to as Pumpkin Girl, and Kathleen whom she called Angel Baby. Kathleen became Angel Girl when she blessed Dee Dee with her first great-granddaughter, Ember, who then became Angel Baby. Judy absolutely loved caring for them while their parents were working as they were growing up. As Melissa got older, she referred to her time with Dee Dee as going to Peppermint Preschool, as Dee Dee always had peppermints and she was always teaching the girls something. There were many sleepovers and trips as well and always a storybook or two to be read.
A viewing will be from 6:00 pm –7:00 pm followed by a service on Tuesday, August 1, at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington 19808. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Judy’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s or A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children. The family would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time.
