Judy Ables Davidson
November 13, 1951 -
December 15, 2020

Visitation

Service 

December 18, 2020
2:00 PM

Interment

Obituary

Graveside funeral service for Judy Ables Davidson, age 69 of Fayetteville, TN will be conducted at 2 PM Friday, December 18, 2020 at Riverview Memorial Gardens with Bro. Danny Bell officiating. There will be no public visitation with the family prior to the service.

Judy was born on November 13, 1951 in Lincoln County, TN to the late Marvin Eslick and Nancy Porter Ables. She passed away on December 15, 2020 at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, TN.

Judy is survived by her son, James Matthew Davidson (Shea Beacham); grandchildren, James Cooper Davidson, Marley Sophia Davidson, and Finnley Wyatt Davidson; sisters, Cherry (Andy) Womack, Diane (Richard) Parker, and Gayla (Clayton) Wilson; brother, Jack (Beth) Ables; eight nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Mayhew (Don) Davidson; daughter, Jennifer Lynn Davidson; and sister in law, Carol Davidson.

Judy graduated from Central High School in 1969, where she was a majorette and basketball player. She practiced cosmetology in Fayetteville for many years. Judy loved her family and friends and spent much of her life taking care of others. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister who will be missed by family and friends alike. Judy was so dedicated to her daughter Jen and the recognition of people with special needs, that she was one of the founding members of the ARC in Fayetteville. Judy had a passion for the Special Olympics and worked with that organization for many years.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to her friends from the Steel Magnolias and the B-Team Angels.

Many thanks go to Maury Regional Medical Center and Bailey Manor for their excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tennessee Special Olympics Area 13, 33 Acorn Drive, Tullahoma, TN 37388, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Ms. Judy Ables Davidson.

Video Services

51 Comments

  1. Kim McWhirter

    I’m so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Keeping you all in my prayers.

    Reply
  2. Debbie Gentry Miahnahri

    Thoughts and Prayers for the families. Judy was one of the sweetest ladies. I know she is so happy to be reunited with Don and Jennifer. Heavens new Angel

    Reply
  3. Con and Arden Humphrey

    To Matt and all the Ables family: You have our deepest sympathy. Con and I are so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. We can only imagine how your hearts are hurting. I have such wonderful memories of my childhood with the Ables girls. We had such fun. Mr. and Mrs. Ables opened their home to me on many occasions. Such a precious family! Judy will be missed by so many, but we take comfort that she is in a better place with her dear ones.

    Reply
  4. Caroline Brock

    Prayers for Judy’s family, plus her sisters and brother.

    Reply
  5. Debbie Morris

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.

    Reply
  6. Judy Wagster Toon

    I am so sad to hear about Judy. She was an amazing example of a loyal loving mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Y’all are in my thoughts and prayers

    Reply
  7. Suzie Peak

    Cherry, our thoughts and prayers are with
    you in the mourning of Judy. What fine tributes have been paid to her. She was a selfless person and we know you will miss
    her. Blessings on you and the family tomorrow.
    Joy Sunday School Class
    First Baptist Church
    Murfreesboro, Tn.

    Reply
  8. Brenda Soler

    I was so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was such a wonderful friend to so many. I will always remember Judy & my sister, Jane, as little kids playing and having fun together. I’m so happy this friendship lasted, and only grew stronger as years went by. I know Jane will miss her greatly. RIP sweet Judy. Brenda Soler

    Reply
  9. Brenda Ables

    I’m so sorry to hear of sweet Judy’s passing. I worked with her many years ago when she founded the ARC. She was always an advocate for those with special needs. She did a lot of good for special populations in Lincoln County. She was talented and caring. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

    Reply
  10. Dana Sartain

    So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a wonderful lady with a heart for others.

    Reply
  11. Tammy Quick

    Sending prayers for the family. Ms. Judy was always so kind. I loved when she would come see us at the Outback.

    Reply
  12. Robin and Bill Shelton

    Matt, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother. I hope your good memories of past times will carry you through the holidays.

    Reply
  13. Billie Thompson

    Sorry for your loss of your Mom. Sending love and prayers. She was an inspiration to all she came in contact with. RIP Judy

    Reply
  14. Camille (Groce) Allar

    Matt, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. So many fond memories of your Mom, Jen, and you growing up. Keep tight of those memories, as they will get you through. I am so sorry for your loss!

    Reply
  15. Becky Sisk

    I am so sad to hear of Judy’s passing. I had known her most of my life and she was always gentle, kind, and loving. May God watch over each of you as you mourn her passing, and remember the joy she brought in life.

    Reply
  16. Gayle D Pridmore

    So very sorry for your loss. Judy was a great lady with a big heart. Just from Facebook you can see she had many friends. May God put his comforting arms around you.

    Reply
  17. Carol Simms

    I’m so sorry to hear about Judy she was such a sweet person and friend we had so much fun at some of the beauty show’s we would go to she was always our model so beautiful (love) Carol.

    Reply
  18. Allison & Henry Greene

    We loved Judy so much. She was such an inspiration to so many. Prayers to all of our family.

    Reply
  19. Tangela Warren

    Matt my thoughts & prayers are with you for peace and comfort.😥❤

    Reply
  20. Felicia Sons

    So sorry about Judy!Prayers for all the family and friends!

    Reply
  21. Cindy Harwell

    As sad as this makes me it also makes me smile to know who you are reunited with. I know Jennifer, Don and Carol are happy to see you. Love you dear friend!

    Reply
  22. Judy R Strope

    Matt, I’m so very sorry to learn of the loss of your Mom. Prayers for strength and comfort for you and your family.

    Reply
  23. Rex walker

    Our prayers go up for you all during this time of loss.

    Reply
  24. Ann fox-sawdey

    She will be truly missed and she a wonderful great women and I loved talking with her at the store

    Reply
  25. Harold & Judy Steelman

    So sorry. Our prayers are with all of you.

    Reply
  26. Bobby & Sheila Carter

    Bobby and I are so sorry to see this. She was a special person and such a sweet soul.

    Reply
  27. Billie Swinford

    Dear Ables family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Judy was a sweet special person and I know that all of you will miss her. All are in my prayers.

    Reply
  28. Andrea Delap

    Matt I’m so sorry about your mama. I loved her dearly. She was a special person to me and I’ll truly miss her. Keeping you all in my prayers.

    Reply
  29. Patsy Gilliam & Special Team Angels

    Judy was my idol and helped me so much when I was the Director of ARC and Director of Lincoln County Special Olympics. She had a heart for all children with special needs not just Jennifer. Some of my fondest memories were trips and events Judy and I volunteered on together. I will miss her dearly.

    Reply
  30. Brenda & Gary Badenhop

    Our sympathy to Matt and Judy’s sisters and brother. You are in our prayers during this time. Judy was loved by all.

    Reply
  31. Pamela Cartwright

    I’m sorry for your loss of Judy
    She was a sweet lady. I enjoyed being in Special Olympics with Jennifer and Carol.

    Reply
  32. Ruthie Jeans

    So very sorry to hear of the passing of Judy. She was one special lady that will be missed by so many.. praying for peace and comfort for you all.

    Reply
  33. Judy Stafford

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have known Judy since the 70’s when we both worked as cosmetologists. She was always such a sweet person once you met Judy she never forgot you and you never forgot her she was beautiful inside and out. She is with her sweet Jenn and the love of her life Don. RIP Judy

    Reply
  34. Ava Kimbrough

    I am so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a dear friend. I will always cherish her memory.

    Reply
  35. Nancy woods

    So sorry to hear about Judy my prayers go out to each and every one of you

    Reply
  36. Linda Watson Mullins

    So very sorry for your loss, Cherry. Prayers for all the family.

    Reply
  37. Jeanie & Mike Hyde

    I’m so sorry for the passing of Judy. May her family be comforted by the memories of her sweet lovely soul. Judy has her place in Heaven with Don and Jennifer and all her friends and family that have passed before her
    Judy was loved by many and will be missed.

    Reply
  38. Rosalind Sowell Greer

    I am so sorry to hear this, but I know Judy is having a joyful reunion……….Prayers for you, Cherry, and the entire family….

    Reply
  39. Joseph and June Porter jr

    Our prayers are with your family and I know I will miss her. Every time we came to Fayetteville she gave us the best of her hospitality.

    Reply
  40. Lenace Hyde

    I am so very sorry to hear of Mrs. Judy’s passing. She was always such a sweetheart to me. I know she is celebrating now with Don and Jenn. Matt, please know my prayers for you and all of the rest of this precious ladies family at this time .
    Lenace Hyde

    Reply
  41. Randall and Gayle Shelton

    So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Prayers for the family during this time.

    Reply
  42. Tina Emmons

    Matt, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know she is in a better place. Prayers for you Shea and the kids. With all the love in the world. Stanley and Tina Emmons

    Reply
  43. Tina Emmons

    Matt, so sorry to hear of this loss. I know whe is in a better place. Prayers for you, Shea and the kids.
    With all the love in the world. Stanley and Tina Emmons

    Reply
  44. Karen Gilliam

    What a joyous reunion Judy is having with the love of her life and her precious Jennifer! Safe in the arms of our Lord and no more earthly bondage. I loved her, and she will be missed by many.

    Reply
  45. Shelley Letinich

    Matt, I am so sorry about the passing of your mom may she rest in piece. Prayers for you and your family at time.

    Reply
  46. Nancy Rogers

    So sorry to learn of Judy’s passing. She was my 4H counselor at camp years ago. She never forgot from that day forward. Prayers for her family.

    Reply
  47. Randy @Dorothy Taylor

    So very sorry prayers for family

    Reply
    • Nancy Lane

      So sorry for your loss. Judy loved family and friends.

      Reply
  48. Joy Rodriguez

    My prayers are with you Cherry as well as the rest of the family.

    Reply
  49. Judy Moyers

    I am sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. I know she will be missed by so many.

    Reply
  50. Jo Dean Counts

    What a beautiful blessing you were to us all. But what a beautiful angel you are now. I know you and Jennifer are dancing in the golden streets of Heaven.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Memories

51 Comments

  1. Kim McWhirter

    I’m so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Keeping you all in my prayers.

    Reply
  2. Debbie Gentry Miahnahri

    Thoughts and Prayers for the families. Judy was one of the sweetest ladies. I know she is so happy to be reunited with Don and Jennifer. Heavens new Angel

    Reply
  3. Con and Arden Humphrey

    To Matt and all the Ables family: You have our deepest sympathy. Con and I are so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. We can only imagine how your hearts are hurting. I have such wonderful memories of my childhood with the Ables girls. We had such fun. Mr. and Mrs. Ables opened their home to me on many occasions. Such a precious family! Judy will be missed by so many, but we take comfort that she is in a better place with her dear ones.

    Reply
  4. Caroline Brock

    Prayers for Judy’s family, plus her sisters and brother.

    Reply
  5. Debbie Morris

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.

    Reply
  6. Judy Wagster Toon

    I am so sad to hear about Judy. She was an amazing example of a loyal loving mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Y’all are in my thoughts and prayers

    Reply
  7. Suzie Peak

    Cherry, our thoughts and prayers are with
    you in the mourning of Judy. What fine tributes have been paid to her. She was a selfless person and we know you will miss
    her. Blessings on you and the family tomorrow.
    Joy Sunday School Class
    First Baptist Church
    Murfreesboro, Tn.

    Reply
  8. Brenda Soler

    I was so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was such a wonderful friend to so many. I will always remember Judy & my sister, Jane, as little kids playing and having fun together. I’m so happy this friendship lasted, and only grew stronger as years went by. I know Jane will miss her greatly. RIP sweet Judy. Brenda Soler

    Reply
  9. Brenda Ables

    I’m so sorry to hear of sweet Judy’s passing. I worked with her many years ago when she founded the ARC. She was always an advocate for those with special needs. She did a lot of good for special populations in Lincoln County. She was talented and caring. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

    Reply
  10. Dana Sartain

    So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a wonderful lady with a heart for others.

    Reply
  11. Tammy Quick

    Sending prayers for the family. Ms. Judy was always so kind. I loved when she would come see us at the Outback.

    Reply
  12. Robin and Bill Shelton

    Matt, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Mother. I hope your good memories of past times will carry you through the holidays.

    Reply
  13. Billie Thompson

    Sorry for your loss of your Mom. Sending love and prayers. She was an inspiration to all she came in contact with. RIP Judy

    Reply
  14. Camille (Groce) Allar

    Matt, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. So many fond memories of your Mom, Jen, and you growing up. Keep tight of those memories, as they will get you through. I am so sorry for your loss!

    Reply
  15. Becky Sisk

    I am so sad to hear of Judy’s passing. I had known her most of my life and she was always gentle, kind, and loving. May God watch over each of you as you mourn her passing, and remember the joy she brought in life.

    Reply
  16. Gayle D Pridmore

    So very sorry for your loss. Judy was a great lady with a big heart. Just from Facebook you can see she had many friends. May God put his comforting arms around you.

    Reply
  17. Carol Simms

    I’m so sorry to hear about Judy she was such a sweet person and friend we had so much fun at some of the beauty show’s we would go to she was always our model so beautiful (love) Carol.

    Reply
  18. Allison & Henry Greene

    We loved Judy so much. She was such an inspiration to so many. Prayers to all of our family.

    Reply
  19. Tangela Warren

    Matt my thoughts & prayers are with you for peace and comfort.😥❤

    Reply
  20. Felicia Sons

    So sorry about Judy!Prayers for all the family and friends!

    Reply
  21. Cindy Harwell

    As sad as this makes me it also makes me smile to know who you are reunited with. I know Jennifer, Don and Carol are happy to see you. Love you dear friend!

    Reply
  22. Judy R Strope

    Matt, I’m so very sorry to learn of the loss of your Mom. Prayers for strength and comfort for you and your family.

    Reply
  23. Rex walker

    Our prayers go up for you all during this time of loss.

    Reply
  24. Ann fox-sawdey

    She will be truly missed and she a wonderful great women and I loved talking with her at the store

    Reply
  25. Harold & Judy Steelman

    So sorry. Our prayers are with all of you.

    Reply
  26. Bobby & Sheila Carter

    Bobby and I are so sorry to see this. She was a special person and such a sweet soul.

    Reply
  27. Billie Swinford

    Dear Ables family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Judy was a sweet special person and I know that all of you will miss her. All are in my prayers.

    Reply
  28. Andrea Delap

    Matt I’m so sorry about your mama. I loved her dearly. She was a special person to me and I’ll truly miss her. Keeping you all in my prayers.

    Reply
  29. Patsy Gilliam & Special Team Angels

    Judy was my idol and helped me so much when I was the Director of ARC and Director of Lincoln County Special Olympics. She had a heart for all children with special needs not just Jennifer. Some of my fondest memories were trips and events Judy and I volunteered on together. I will miss her dearly.

    Reply
  30. Brenda & Gary Badenhop

    Our sympathy to Matt and Judy’s sisters and brother. You are in our prayers during this time. Judy was loved by all.

    Reply
  31. Pamela Cartwright

    I’m sorry for your loss of Judy
    She was a sweet lady. I enjoyed being in Special Olympics with Jennifer and Carol.

    Reply
  32. Ruthie Jeans

    So very sorry to hear of the passing of Judy. She was one special lady that will be missed by so many.. praying for peace and comfort for you all.

    Reply
  33. Judy Stafford

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have known Judy since the 70’s when we both worked as cosmetologists. She was always such a sweet person once you met Judy she never forgot you and you never forgot her she was beautiful inside and out. She is with her sweet Jenn and the love of her life Don. RIP Judy

    Reply
  34. Ava Kimbrough

    I am so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a dear friend. I will always cherish her memory.

    Reply
  35. Nancy woods

    So sorry to hear about Judy my prayers go out to each and every one of you

    Reply
  36. Linda Watson Mullins

    So very sorry for your loss, Cherry. Prayers for all the family.

    Reply
  37. Jeanie & Mike Hyde

    I’m so sorry for the passing of Judy. May her family be comforted by the memories of her sweet lovely soul. Judy has her place in Heaven with Don and Jennifer and all her friends and family that have passed before her
    Judy was loved by many and will be missed.

    Reply
  38. Rosalind Sowell Greer

    I am so sorry to hear this, but I know Judy is having a joyful reunion……….Prayers for you, Cherry, and the entire family….

    Reply
  39. Joseph and June Porter jr

    Our prayers are with your family and I know I will miss her. Every time we came to Fayetteville she gave us the best of her hospitality.

    Reply
  40. Lenace Hyde

    I am so very sorry to hear of Mrs. Judy’s passing. She was always such a sweetheart to me. I know she is celebrating now with Don and Jenn. Matt, please know my prayers for you and all of the rest of this precious ladies family at this time .
    Lenace Hyde

    Reply
  41. Randall and Gayle Shelton

    So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Prayers for the family during this time.

    Reply
  42. Tina Emmons

    Matt, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know she is in a better place. Prayers for you Shea and the kids. With all the love in the world. Stanley and Tina Emmons

    Reply
  43. Tina Emmons

    Matt, so sorry to hear of this loss. I know whe is in a better place. Prayers for you, Shea and the kids.
    With all the love in the world. Stanley and Tina Emmons

    Reply
  44. Karen Gilliam

    What a joyous reunion Judy is having with the love of her life and her precious Jennifer! Safe in the arms of our Lord and no more earthly bondage. I loved her, and she will be missed by many.

    Reply
  45. Shelley Letinich

    Matt, I am so sorry about the passing of your mom may she rest in piece. Prayers for you and your family at time.

    Reply
  46. Nancy Rogers

    So sorry to learn of Judy’s passing. She was my 4H counselor at camp years ago. She never forgot from that day forward. Prayers for her family.

    Reply
  47. Randy @Dorothy Taylor

    So very sorry prayers for family

    Reply
    • Nancy Lane

      So sorry for your loss. Judy loved family and friends.

      Reply
  48. Joy Rodriguez

    My prayers are with you Cherry as well as the rest of the family.

    Reply
  49. Judy Moyers

    I am sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. I know she will be missed by so many.

    Reply
  50. Jo Dean Counts

    What a beautiful blessing you were to us all. But what a beautiful angel you are now. I know you and Jennifer are dancing in the golden streets of Heaven.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *