Judy K Smith

Judy K Anderson Smith, 76, was born December 22, 1948, in Valliant, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Buddy Anderson and Bobbie Lee Fuller Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents and son; James Oliver Smith; dear and true friend, Rita Shawe Burke.

Judy was a graduate and proud Valedictorian of Valliant High School, Class of 1967. She earned two bachelor's degrees, one in Business Administration and another in Education in 1971 at Oklahoma State University. Judy took several graduate courses towards an MBA at a time when it was unheard of for a woman to be in a business field. Later in life as a young mother, she had an opportunity to teach kindergarten for a year at Glover Elementary, where she found her passion for early childhood education. She would spend the next 35 years of her career at Glover Public Schools, teaching several generations of many families. She was passionate about teaching and worked diligently to ensure her students received the best education possible. Her smile could comfort a scared child, and one flicker of her eye could make a rambunctious child behave. As a farmer's daughter, she was in tune with the rural way of life and all her life pitched in to help with the Anderson farm, now in its 78th year of existence. Before her passing, Judy ensured the farms future by passing the torch to her son, Justin, and granddaughter, Maggi. Judy was a member of the McCurtain County Home and Community Education Association, sometimes known as Extension Homemakers. Through her time spent with this organization, she discovered that women were the backbone of rural America. A tribute that both her and her mother displayed greatly both on and off the farm. A strong and independent woman, Judy led by example-showing those around her what it meant to stand tall, work hard, and live with integrity. Her kindness, resilience, and generous spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She was a homemaker, a hostess, a mother, a friend, an aunt, a philanthropist, and most of all, she specialized in being a Memaw. Her bond with her granddaughter, Maggi, was especially special, filled with laughter, shared stories, and endless love. Whether it was baking together, cheering from the sidelines at basketball games, or offering gentle advice, Memaw always made sure to be Maggi's biggest supporter. She gave the best hugs and had the most joyous laugh. Judy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Judy is survived by her son, Justin Smith of Valliant, OK; grandchild, Maggi J Hayes of Paris, TX; former husband, Gregory Smith of Garvin, OK, treasured nieces Emily Harms, KaLyn Jackson, and LeeAnn Jacobs; along with a host of other friends, family and loved ones.

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