Judy Cole Mooney

1941 - 2017

The many lives of Judy Mooney ended in the evening of August 16, 2017 when she died peacefully at home while Pat, her husband of 32 years, sat beside her holding her hand. She lives on in the lives of those who she knew and loved and whose lives she touched during her time here on earth.

Judy, born in Baton Rouge on July 5, 1941, had three lovely children, David, Tara, and Steve Edmonson and after stints as a real estate salesperson and a pre-school teacher, she began a career with the YMCA in Alexandria, Louisiana. As the executive director of the Y she brought about changes in the Y and in Alexandria that promoted inclusion of all members of the community in YMCA programs regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic status. In 1990, Judy continued this work when she took a position with the YMCA as executive director of one of the inner-city Y's in Charlotte. She became the vice president for community development for the Charlotte YMCA system and was widely recognized for her work in promoting opportunity for all citizens to improve their lives through involvement in many different types of Y programs.

After retiring from the Y in 2000, she and Pat moved to Savannah. It was here that she began yet another life - that of a sculptor. While taking a sculpture class at Armstrong she realized that she could look at someone and recreate their image in clay. She had no idea that she had artistic ability. She branched out into bronze sculptures and found her passion in telling, through her sculpture, the history and stories of the Gullah - Geechee people and their culture. Over the last fifteen years she has appeared in many shows and won numerous awards for her work. She has been in galleries in Savannah, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Charleston and currently shows in galleries in Bluffton and Charleston. Her work has spread appreciation of the culture and dignity of the Gullah - Geechee people. She felt honored and privileged to do this work.

In Alexandria in the mid-80s that she met and married Pat Mooney. They included extended family and friends in their household so their family extends well beyond the bounds of genetic lineage. In Alexandria, she and Pat began riding bicycles, competing in triathlons and directing these and other types of races. She continued cycling well into her 70s and did a 75-mile ride for her 70th birthday. They have enjoyed many adventures through the years.

She leaves behind her husband, Pat and three children David, Tara and Steve. Nine grandchildren: Tara's three, Lilli, Bijan, and Bryce Fayaz. David and Dani's two, Blake and Maddie Edmonson. Steve and Rosie's four, Mia, Ian, Ethan, and Eli Edmonson. Three great-grandchildren: Bijan and Dani's, Charlotte, Aidyn, and Zaryk Fayaz. Sister, Jenny Lynn Cole. Sisters-in-law, Comrie Mooney Hankins and D D Mooney. Niece, Christi Rice and her husband Jamie and their children, McKenzie, Wesley, Patrick and Christian. Nieces Candace and Gena Hankins. Her late brother-in-law Kevin Mooney's three children, Sean, Shane, and Erin Mooney. Tara's friend Gary Gross.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Fulton and Dorothy Cole, her father-in-law, George Mooney, mother-in-law, Jean Mather, and brother-in-law Kevin Mooney.

Mother, wife, mentor, activist, executive, sculptor, teacher, friend. Her smile embraced those she knew and loved. Family and friends will have a celebration of her life in late September. In lieu of flowers, please support your local artists and artists' organizations in her name.