Judith Lee Nickerson

Judith Lee Calder Boyd Nickerson, age 82, passed away on December 6, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cut Bank, Montana, on August 9, 1943, to James and Alberta Calder. When she was nine years old, her family moved to Zolfo Springs, Florida, where she grew up and built a life rooted in love, hard work, and unwavering devotion for those she cared for.

Throughout her lifetime, Judy held many titles - daughter, sister, wife, Mom, Nanny, AJ and Aunt Judy. She poured her heart into every role she embraced. She was a cheerleading coach, a Sunday School teacher, a rodeo mom, and a master seamstress whose hands crafted rodeo outfits, Story of Jesus costumes, Cinderella dresses and cowboy chaps.

Judy was never afraid of hard work. She held a wide variety of jobs, including surveyor, preschool teacher, and livestock hauler in her straight job. But most people knew her as the go-to person in the Property Appraiser's Offices of DeSoto and Hardee Counties. Judy was the first person in the state of Florida to put the tax roll on a computer. She later continued her career with the State of Florida, auditing Property Appraisers throughout Southwest Florida.

Judy is survived by her brother, Skipper (Kathy) Calder of Valrico, FL; her daughters Jody Sullivan of Lisco, NE, Marty Merritt of Lake Placid, FL, and Katherine Boyd of Sebring, FL, Leanne (Kevin) Moore of Blairsville, GA, Connie (Rod) Montgomery of Wauchula, FL, and Kelly (Meylin) Nickerson of Fort Meade, FL.

She was a proud and devoted Nanny to her grandchildren: Lee (Ashley) Killmon, Dan (Melissa) Sullivan, Matt (Vanessa) Sullivan, Kandice (Christopher) Browning, Calder Boyd, Jordan (Brandon) Dieter, Ryan Moore, Lauren Moore, Wyatt (Claire) Montgomery, Tristan Montgomery, Colby Nickerson, Mason (Vanessa) Nickerson, and Lynsi Nickerson. She is also survived by numerous great grandchildren, who brought her endless joy, as well as a large and loving circle of nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Judy.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Nickerson; the father of her children, Donald Boyd; her son, Donnie Boyd; her sister, Sandy Carlton Tally; her mother, Alberta Calder; her father, James Calder; and her sons-in-love, John Merritt and Kevin Sullivan.

Judy lived a remarkable life--full of grit, creativity, compassion, and a deep love for her family. Her legacy will continue in the countless lives she touched and the many hearts that will forever carry her memory.

The Visitation services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10:00am-11:00am at the First Baptist Church of Wauchula 1570 W Main St.

The service will follow at 11:00am with Pastor Skipper Calder officiating, the burial will follow at Wauchula City Cemetery in Wauchula.

Donations can be made to; Cowboy Up Ministry in c/o Skipper Calder 1320 Brahma Drive Valrico, Fl 33590

Online condolences may be made at: www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.