Judith Wharton Homsher

Judith Wharton Homsher, born December 5th, 1938, in Buffalo, NY, died June 11th, 2024, due to complications from a sudden illness. She will always be remembered for her extreme kindness, generosity, wit, and remarkable memory. She is survived by her son, Michael, and his children, Courtney Waller (Daniel) of Va. Beach, VA, Steven and Ryan Homsher of Raleigh, NC, daughter Christine (Gigi-step-granddaughter) of Raleigh, NC, and daughter Mary Harris and her daughters, Elena Clawson (Alex) and Abbey Harris of Chesapeake, VA.
Judy was the daughter of James Guy Wharton and Psakye G. (Stanford) Weaver. In 1949, she and her mother moved to her grandparents' farm outside of Tionesta, PA. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, she enrolled as a pre-med student at Penn State in 1956. While there, she met her future husband, Paul J. Homsher, a graduate student and "big city" guy from Philadelphia, PA. After completion of his Ph. D., they moved to Norfolk, VA, where he joined the Biology Department faculty of what is now Old Dominion University. Coming from northwestern Pennsylvania and its coal mines and oil rigs, Judy instantly fell in love with the softer culture of the Tidewater area and the welcoming ODU community.
She gave birth to Michael, Christine, and Mary all before the age of 25 and, despite being an only child, felt motherhood was the best thing she ever did. She and Paul also helped raise a foster child, Gina, who gave them an early introduction to adolescence! However, her intense curiosity about the world propelled her toward finishing her own education. Knowing she could not be the mother she wanted to be if she continued her pre-med curriculum, she realized she felt happiest doing something for others and enrolled in a clinical social work track.
After finishing her B.A. in Sociology (magna cum laude) at Old Dominion University and beginning her career at the Norfolk Mental Health Center, she then completed her master's in social work (MSW) in 1978 at Norfolk State University, being a full-time student while also working full time. After obtaining her license in clinical social work, she treated patients in both public agencies and private practice, focusing on the treatment of depression, gender dysphoria, and addiction.
She was an active member of the Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs and Junior Director of the Tidewater District, volunteered at Florence Crittenton Home, was a reader for the blind, was President of the Tidewater Environmental Council, organized the first celebration of Earth Day at Military Circle Mall (1972), was the first female president of the Arrowhead PTA and over the years contributed both her time and money to many organizations in Tidewater/Hampton Roads. She was a lifelong member of ODU Faculty Wives and Friends and ODU Monarch Community Alliance (ODUMAC), where she led the book group for 40 years.
She loved her many friends dearly, sad she had outlived many. Judy also treasured her cat companions, which she had many.
Before being overcome with a barrage of increasingly painful physical issues, she and Paul traveled to all 50 states, Egypt, India, England, most of Europe, Mexico, and Machu Picchu, Peru. After Paul died in 2014, her zest for travel waned because seeing new places without Paul lacked the excitement of their exploring together.
A celebration of life service will be held on June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home- 5033 Rouse Dr., Va. Beach, VA 23462.
Memorial donations can be made to The Paul J. Homsher, Ph.D. and Judith Wharton Homsher '72 Cancer Survivor Scholarship at ODU care of Barbara M Henley, CFRE, Executive Director of Gift Planning Old Dominion University 4417 Monarch Way, 4th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23529.