Judy Caldwell Young

Our hearts are broken as we share that Judy Lynn Caldwell Young passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a brave five-year battle with breast cancer. She was 66 years old.

Born on January 15, 1959, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Jay and Yvonne Caldwell, Judy grew up in Hampton, Virginia on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and was raised by her maternal grandparents Linwood and Evelyn Dale. Judy was a graduate of Virginia Tech where she met her husband, George. They were married on January 15, 1978, and have spent the most loving 48 years together.

For 38 years, Judy dedicated her life to teaching high school mathematics first at Richlands High School and then at Virginia High School until she retired in July 2022. She had a gift for making even the toughest problems seem manageable, both inside and outside the classroom. Judy was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church and the Fort Chiswell Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by her devoted husband and best friend, George Young; her beloved children, Marion E. Young (Ryan D. Dorland) of Big Stone Gap and Blair Young II (Megan) of Heath, Texas; and her three precious grandchildren, George B. Young III, Evelyn Jane Dorland, and Wyatt Erastus Young, who were the joys of her life. She is also survived by her loving stepmother, Lea Caldwell; her siblings, Peter Caldwell (Edna), Michael Caldwell (Erin), and Tina Caldwell (Melissa) as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Judy had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and valued. Her laughter could fill up a room, her hugs could ease any struggle, and her boundless kindness left an imprint on all who knew her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend she faced every challenge with remarkable strength, courage and grace – never allowing her illness to define her but instead continuing to lead with warmth and love. Though she is no longer with us, Judy’s spirit will continue to live on in the laugher of her grandchildren, the kindness she instilled in her children, the lessons she shared with her students, and the countless hearts forever touched by her light.

We would like to thank the Duke University Cancer Center’s Breast Clinic, Dr. Susan Dent, Dr. Cary Anders, Ms. Katelyn Linker, DNP, and the nurses and staff of Ballad Health’s Hospice House for their compassion, kindness, and loving care.

Visitation will be held at the Abingdon United Methodist Church, 101 East Main Street in Abingdon on November 8, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM followed immediately by the funeral service in the sanctuary. Rev. Paul Seay will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Mike Weaver, Peter Caldwell, Michael Caldwell, Anthony Caldwell, Ben Mastro, and Joe Blackwell serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that donations be made in memory of Judy Young to DCI Breast Cancer Fund, Duke Cancer Institute at 300 W. Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham, NC 27701 to help others continue the fight she faced with such courage.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. The family of Judy Lynn Caldwell Young is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.