Judith Kay Anderson Mearns of Flora passed away January 29, 2017 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield from complications following heart surgery.

     Judy was born in Xenia, Illinois on September 18, 1941, the fourth child and daughter of Paul Forsythe and Mildred (Gabbert) Anderson.  She married Merle Edwin Mearns of Louisville on May 7, 1961 and he predeceased her on May 2, 2004.

     A 1959 graduate of Flora Township High School, Judy began her career as bookkeeper at Flora Lumber Company and later worked for Wabash Telephone Coop in Louisville. She retired from Wabash in 2004.  She also worked with her husband in grain and cattle farming and operating an independent crude oil business which Judy continued to operate after Merle’s death. 

     At different times Judy was active in many organizations including the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, Desk and Derrick Club of Olney and Home Extension.  In years past she was a volunteer with the Shagbark Girl Scout Council and the Illinois AARP Money Management Program for Seniors.   She became a member of the Vinsans Trace Chapter of the NSDAR in 1998 and served in various offices culminating in three terms as Regent and one term as the Illinois State NSDAR Treasurer.  Judy was a member of the Flora Chamber of Commerce and served as the Board Treasurer until her death.  She was also a member of the Flora Community Development Corporation (FCDC) and active with the Flora Depot Project and particularly proud of the George Rogers Clark statute, a joint project of the DAR and FCDC, and of the ILDAR Liberty Bench, both located on the grounds of the Depot.

     Judy was of the Presbyterian faith and was a member of the Zion Presbyterian Church in rural Xenia (where she sometimes played the piano), which later transitioned to the First United Presbyterian Church of Flora.  In recent years Judy became a member of the Flora Southern Baptist Church.

     Judy is survived by two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Alice Williams of Newton, Marsha and Richard Taylor of Marion and Lee Newton of Xenia.  She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews and their families.  Judy was predeceased by her parents, her husband and the following sisters and brothers-in-law:  Phyllis and Joe Shidaker, Doris and Charles Songer, Carol Newton and Nelson Williams.

     A memorial service for Judy Mearns will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Dr. Joel Hackney officiating.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Flora Southern Baptist Church or Vinsans Trace Chapter NSDAR or FCDC Depot Fund.  Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.  To share a condolence or memory with the family, visit www.frankandbright.com.