Judy Elaine Simmons Schurdell

Judy Schurdell (71)- After years of battling dementia, Judy decided that enough was enough.  She spent Sunday morning playing in the floor with her grandkids, made a strudel for her kids, kissed her husband on the cheek and thanked him for taking such good care of her for the past few years, walked off her porch and into the evening sky just in time for supper with her mom and dad.  She exited this world in the same way she had lived her life, replete with dignity and grace.  

Judy was proceeded in death by her father, Charles Simmons, her mother, Garnett Simmons, a sister, Carolyn Siers, a brother, Charles Simmons, brothers-in-law Elmer Schurdell, Roland Schurdell, Martin Schurdell, Phillip Kimes, Alex Ventura, sisters-in-law Nancy Schurdell, Natalie Schurdell, Ethel Kimes, Marion Ventura, Barb Schurdell, and a special niece, Bonnie Likely.   

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Warren Schurdell, her daughter, Dr. Juli Brehm (JR) of Mullens, WV, Amanda Hylton (Jeffrey) of Pineville, WV, Sandy Boothe (Chris) of Bluefield, VA, Lyndsey Branham (Cody) of Mullens, WV, Allen Schurdell (Erica) of Troutville, VA, two brothers, Dean Simmons (Tammy) of Corrine, WV, Jeff Simmons (Donna) of Mullens, WV, three sisters, Brenda Miller (Jamie) of Mullens, WV, Cheryl Hudson (Dan) of Venice, FL, Robin Cannady (Jerry) of Otsego, WV, a sister-in-law, Pat Schurdell of Strongville, OH, and dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her terribly.    

Judy’s proudest accomplishment in life was raising five successful kids of her own but her greatest legacy will be that she gave each of her grandkids an amazing foundation for their lives by showering them with unconditional love and fierce loyalty as well as feeding them meals that they will probably dream about in their old age.  These loves of her life are Dylan Brehm (Hannah), Holly Brehm, Savannah Brehm, Paytin Brehm, Olivia Hylton, Ella Hylton, Jillian Boothe, Gavin Boothe, Keaton Boothe, Sadie Branham, Cooper Branham, Bryn Schurdell, and Sutton Schurdell.    

Judy was a member of Crab Orchard Baptist Church.  She retired from the Wyoming County Department of Health and Human Resources in 2016 where spent her entire career helping children and families get what they needed to keep moving forward.  She was the best cook in a family of great cooks, a wonderful Mamaw, a fantastic mom, loving wife, and favorite aunt.  Judy had a servant’s heart, a gentle spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor.  She was loved by everyone who knew her.    

Services will be 2:00 P.M., Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the Crab Orchard Baptist Church, Crab Orchard with Pastor Dewey Lowe and Pastor David Bush officiating.  Burial will follow in the Canaday Cemetery, Crab Orchard, WV.