Judy Whitson

Judy Whitson obituary, Tiptonville, TN

Judy Whitson

Judy Whitson Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson-Williams Funeral Home on Dec. 24, 2025.
Judy Dianne Whitson, 72, of Tiptonville, Tennessee died on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at her residence.
Born Sunday, May 10, 1953, in Tiptonville, Tennessee. She was the daughter of the late Willie B. Hopper, Sr. and the late Frances May Scott Hopper.

Judy was a loving wife, devoted mother, and a kind-hearted soul who touched many lives through her quiet compassion and gentle spirit.

She was a dedicated employee of the Dairy Queen in Tiptonville, where she worked faithfully and formed many lasting friendships with coworkers and customers alike. She was known for her strong work ethic, warm smile, and caring nature, qualities that made her so well loved by those who knew her.

Above all, Judy cherished her family. She was a loving and caring wife and an awesome mother whose love was steady and unconditional. Home was her favorite place to be, and she found joy in the simple, peaceful moments of everyday life.

Judy especially enjoyed sitting on her front porch, where one of her favorite pastimes was feeding the squirrels. They came to expect her each day, and if she was late, they could be found waiting patiently at her front door. When she wasn't tending to her squirrels, she loved watching the birds and enjoying the beauty of nature around her.

In her quieter moments, Judy found pleasure in doing cross-stitch and occasionally enjoyed riding through the countryside, taking in the calm and comfort of the country.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Tiptonville Church of Christ located at 515 Church Street in Tiptonville, Tennessee.

She is survived by her husband, Dave Darnell of Tiptonville, Tennessee; one son, Joseph Shane Whitson of Tiptonville, Tennessee; three brothers, Rodney Hopper (Gwen) of St. Francisville, Louisiana, Billy Hopper of Tiptonville, Tennessee and Jeff Hopper of Bowling Green, Kentucky; one sister, Cathy Topel (Eddie) of Chicago, Illinois and she was "Granny" to her four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Judy Dianne Whitson.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judy Whitson, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Judy's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Judy Whitson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Judy Whitson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?