Judy S. Gresham

1939 - 2024

Judy S. Gresham

February 23, 2024

Judy Dean Bessie Saul Gresham, 84, of Salem, Va., passed away at home on February 23, 2024. She grew up in western Roanoke County, the daughter of Henry L. and Evelyn B. Saul. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Julie Ann and sister, Twila Turner.

Judy began dating James L. (Jimmy) Gresham in high school after meeting at a mutual friend's party. They began their lifelong romance with Judy trying to teach Jimmy the Jitterbug. They were married three years later and enjoyed 65 wonderful years together in Salem.

Judy was a loving wife, mother, Nan, sister, and friend. Spending time with her immediate and large extended family was the joy of Judy's life. Holidays, special occasions, and family reunions brought an abundance of laughter and precious memories. For more than three decades, she loved cooking Sunday dinners for her immediate family; her specialty being her birthday "big cake" for the grandchildren.

Judy was raised as a member of Fort Lewis Baptist Church and after marrying Jimmy, joined him as an active member of First United Methodist Church. Over the years, she served her church as a Sunday School teacher, as a member of Circle #3, and on various committees.

She was a "numbers" person and after graduating from Andrew Lewis High School in 1957, began working at Farmer's National Bank. She was employed there for 13 years, achieving the title of Branch Manager, until she made the decision that staying at home to focus on raising her two children was more important. She enjoyed playing cards with close friends, playing the stock market, reading the daily ticker and was always on the lookout for a good tip from like-minded friends and relatives.

Surviving family members include her children, James A. Gresham and wife, Loretta; daughter, Alison G. Sledd; grandchildren, James L. Gresham II and wife, Julia, Rachel R. Gresham, Caleb M. Sledd and wife, Sarah, and Anna M. Sledd; great-grandson, George L. Gresham. Also surviving are sisters, Norma S. Wassum and Cindy S. Manning; two aunts and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey and Son Chapel, Salem. Va. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 125 W. Main Street, Salem, Va., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, with Pastor Alan Combs and Pastor Jeffrey Dorsey officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, or the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), https://umcmission.org/give-to-umcor/.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.