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.
51 Comments To "Judy Ables Davidson"
#1 Comment By Jo Dean Counts On December 16, 2020 @ 11:31 am
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.
#2 Comment By Judy Moyers On December 16, 2020 @ 11:34 am
I am sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. I know she will be missed by so many.
#3 Comment By Joy Rodriguez On December 16, 2020 @ 11:58 am
My prayers are with you Cherry as well as the rest of the family.
#4 Comment By Randy @Dorothy Taylor On December 16, 2020 @ 12:03 pm
So very sorry prayers for family
#5 Comment By Nancy Lane On December 16, 2020 @ 5:41 pm
So sorry for your loss. Judy loved family and friends.
#6 Comment By Nancy Rogers On December 16, 2020 @ 12:47 pm
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.
#7 Comment By Shelley Letinich On December 16, 2020 @ 1:27 pm
Matt, I am so sorry about the passing of your mom may she rest in piece. Prayers for you and your family at time.
#8 Comment By Karen Gilliam On December 16, 2020 @ 1:45 pm
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.
#9 Comment By Tina Emmons On December 16, 2020 @ 2:20 pm
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
#10 Comment By Tina Emmons On December 16, 2020 @ 2:23 pm
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
#11 Comment By Randall and Gayle Shelton On December 16, 2020 @ 3:16 pm
So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Prayers for the family during this time.
#12 Comment By Lenace Hyde On December 16, 2020 @ 3:33 pm
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
#13 Comment By Joseph and June Porter jr On December 16, 2020 @ 4:27 pm
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.
#14 Comment By Rosalind Sowell Greer On December 16, 2020 @ 4:37 pm
I am so sorry to hear this, but I know Judy is having a joyful reunion……….Prayers for you, Cherry, and the entire family….
#15 Comment By Jeanie & Mike Hyde On December 16, 2020 @ 4:39 pm
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.
#16 Comment By Linda Watson Mullins On December 16, 2020 @ 4:46 pm
So very sorry for your loss, Cherry. Prayers for all the family.
#17 Comment By Nancy woods On December 16, 2020 @ 4:46 pm
So sorry to hear about Judy my prayers go out to each and every one of you
#18 Comment By Ava Kimbrough On December 16, 2020 @ 5:00 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a dear friend. I will always cherish her memory.
#19 Comment By Judy Stafford On December 16, 2020 @ 5:04 pm
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
#20 Comment By Ruthie Jeans On December 16, 2020 @ 5:13 pm
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.
#21 Comment By Pamela Cartwright On December 16, 2020 @ 5:22 pm
I’m sorry for your loss of Judy
She was a sweet lady. I enjoyed being in Special Olympics with Jennifer and Carol.
#22 Comment By Brenda & Gary Badenhop On December 16, 2020 @ 5:22 pm
Our sympathy to Matt and Judy’s sisters and brother. You are in our prayers during this time. Judy was loved by all.
#23 Comment By Patsy Gilliam & Special Team Angels On December 16, 2020 @ 5:36 pm
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.
#24 Comment By Andrea Delap On December 16, 2020 @ 5:47 pm
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.
#25 Comment By Billie Swinford On December 16, 2020 @ 6:30 pm
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.
#26 Comment By Bobby & Sheila Carter On December 16, 2020 @ 6:54 pm
Bobby and I are so sorry to see this. She was a special person and such a sweet soul.
#27 Comment By Harold & Judy Steelman On December 16, 2020 @ 7:01 pm
So sorry. Our prayers are with all of you.
#28 Comment By Ann fox-sawdey On December 16, 2020 @ 8:20 pm
She will be truly missed and she a wonderful great women and I loved talking with her at the store
#29 Comment By Rex walker On December 16, 2020 @ 9:07 pm
Our prayers go up for you all during this time of loss.
#30 Comment By Judy R Strope On December 16, 2020 @ 9:22 pm
Matt, I’m so very sorry to learn of the loss of your Mom. Prayers for strength and comfort for you and your family.
#31 Comment By Cindy Harwell On December 16, 2020 @ 10:11 pm
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!
#32 Comment By Felicia Sons On December 16, 2020 @ 11:34 pm
So sorry about Judy!Prayers for all the family and friends!
#33 Comment By Tangela Warren On December 17, 2020 @ 9:08 am
Matt my thoughts & prayers are with you for peace and comfort.😥❤
#34 Comment By Allison & Henry Greene On December 17, 2020 @ 10:44 am
We loved Judy so much. She was such an inspiration to so many. Prayers to all of our family.
#35 Comment By Carol Simms On December 17, 2020 @ 11:55 am
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.
#36 Comment By Gayle D Pridmore On December 17, 2020 @ 12:20 pm
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.
#37 Comment By Becky Sisk On December 17, 2020 @ 12:26 pm
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.
#38 Comment By Camille (Groce) Allar On December 17, 2020 @ 1:05 pm
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!
#39 Comment By Billie Thompson On December 17, 2020 @ 1:21 pm
Sorry for your loss of your Mom. Sending love and prayers. She was an inspiration to all she came in contact with. RIP Judy
#40 Comment By Robin and Bill Shelton On December 17, 2020 @ 2:19 pm
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.
#41 Comment By Tammy Quick On December 17, 2020 @ 3:01 pm
Sending prayers for the family. Ms. Judy was always so kind. I loved when she would come see us at the Outback.
#42 Comment By Dana Sartain On December 17, 2020 @ 4:28 pm
So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a wonderful lady with a heart for others.
#43 Comment By Brenda Ables On December 17, 2020 @ 5:58 pm
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.
#44 Comment By Brenda Soler On December 17, 2020 @ 6:59 pm
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
#45 Comment By Suzie Peak On December 17, 2020 @ 7:03 pm
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.
#46 Comment By Judy Wagster Toon On December 17, 2020 @ 8:35 pm
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
#47 Comment By Debbie Morris On December 17, 2020 @ 10:05 pm
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
#48 Comment By Caroline Brock On December 17, 2020 @ 11:29 pm
Prayers for Judy’s family, plus her sisters and brother.
#49 Comment By Con and Arden Humphrey On December 17, 2020 @ 11:38 pm
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.
#50 Comment By Debbie Gentry Miahnahri On December 18, 2020 @ 4:21 pm
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
#51 Comment By Kim McWhirter On December 21, 2020 @ 11:16 am
I’m so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. Keeping you all in my prayers.