Judith Nelson "Judy" Tawney

Judith "Judy" Nelson Tawney, 82, of Toano, Virginia, passed away on November 9th, 2025. She was the daughter of Marvin and June Nelson.

Judy was born in Madison, WV and was a graduate of the class of 1960 at Scott High School and briefly attended Marshall University.

Judy married her high school sweetheart, John Tawney, in 1961. Together they had four children, John "Wesley" Tawney Jr, Eric Tawney, Julie Steele, and Angie Tawney. She worked cleaning houses and eventually opened her own business for over 20 years.

Throughout her life she enjoyed being the neighborhood mom, gathering with friends and family, cross stitching, gardening, music (we feel confident she's had some face time with Elvis already), trips to the mountains and beach, fishing, quilting, adventuring with her gal pals, thai food, and making sure everyone felt special.

Judy later welcomed five grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was an amazingly loving grandmother to Justin Monroe, Brittney Tawney, Ryan Tawney (wife, Danielle Tawney), Madison Steele Coven, and Olivia Steele and great granddaughter, Lily Madison.

Judy was known for her extremely kind heart, unwavering dedication to her family, (attending all of the chorus concerts, softball games, talent shows, cross country meets, and the horse shows) and welcoming spirit (there was a minimum of 12 children on any occasion who were greeted with snacks, Popsicles and kool-aid). She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend. She loved to laugh and would do anything to bring comfort and happiness to others. (She might not always make the dirty joke, but she would definitely laugh at it.) Judy could be persuaded at any time into any sort of adventure, whether it was an impromptu shopping trip, an overnight Nascar race in the infield with Eric, Wesley, and hundreds of drunken race fans, or a road trip to a mountain cabin in the woods.

Judy had a nurturing presence, a never-ending smile, and a heart as big as they come. She was selfless, supportive, and never judgmental. (Even when we made the worst decisions, sometimes ongoingly). She made sure her children knew that life was about the little things, to eat the cookie first, make the plans, take the risks, love incredibly hard, and be kind to everyone.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and June Nelson, her husband, John Tawney Sr., and her son, Wesley Tawney Jr.

She is survived by her children, Eric (and wife, Sheila), Julie, and Angie, her grandchildren, Justin, Brittney, Ryan, Madison (and husband, Nick Coven), Olivia, and great granddaughter, Lily, and her sister, Marvagene Dickson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm on November 20th, 2025 at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA 23140.