Judy Jones Turpin, 80, Orange

Judy Jones Turpin, 80, of Orange, passed away on April 8, 2023, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.

Memorial services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 16, 2023, at North Orange Baptist Church in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Chip Anthony and Reverend Lynn Ashcraft. Visitation will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 16, at North Orange Baptist Church.

Born on April 30, 1942 in Yancey, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Lewis Glasgow Jones and Irene Thompson Jones. Judy attended Radford University, the all-women’s sister school of Virginia Tech where Jim attended. She and Jim met while in college at a Southern Baptist Student Union mixer.

The first of her family to attend college, she graduated with honors from Radford in only three years. She and Jim married while she was still in college. Shortly after graduation, they made their home in Jim’s hometown of Big Island, Virginia. She began her teaching career in Bedford County Schools before leaving to become a stay-at-home mom after the birth of their first child. After many moves following Jim’s career opportunities, they finally settled in Orange in 1973. When her children were older, Judy resumed her teaching career at Little Cypress Mauriceville School District, teaching both English and Home Economics at the junior high and high school levels. Upon retirement from teaching, she worked part-time for the Stark Museum of Art. Judy thoroughly enjoyed this second career that allowed her to research and delve into her artistic interests. She gave tours, gave special presentations, and wrote curriculum for children’s tours until retiring from the museum.

Judy was a devoted member of North Orange Baptist Church teaching children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School when her children were young, traveling with the adults on church trips, and teaching an Adult Ladies’ class for many years. She was faithful in her service to church and was scheduled to receive her 50-year plaque for membership at NOBC this May. Judy was an accomplished seamstress – making outfits for her children and grandchildren when they were small as well as hemming, patching and repairing in her later years. She also was a talented painter with many of her landscapes decorating the walls throughout her home.

Her family loved her famous blackberry cobbler made with berries from Jim’s garden. As Grandma, Judy picked up the boys from school, helped with homework and provided less than nutritious snacks, like ice cream and “Little Debbie’s”, that they loved. She was especially proud of them and their scholastic success.

Judy will truly be missed by all her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, James “Jim” Norton Turpin; and her parents, Lewis and Irene Jones.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

She will be laid to rest with Jim on a hilltop overlooking the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in Big Island, VA where they began their life together.

She is survived by her children, James Mark Turpin and husband Florencio Vazquez of Austin, Cara Love and husband Joe of Orange; grandchildren, Trey Love and Travis Love; sisters, Karen Winter and husband Bob of Tazewell, TN, Mary Lana Losh and husband Larry of Lynchburg, VA; as well as many loving friends and family.

While flowers are welcome, those who wish may make donations in her honor to North Orange Baptist Church at 4775 N. 16th Street, Orange, Texas 77632 or online at https://nobcfamily.com/give/ or donations can be sent in her honor to North Orange Baptist Church at 4775 N. 16th Street, Orange, Texas 77632.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.