Judy Diane Smith
Judy Diane Smith, 75, of Simpsonville, loving wife to Richard “Rick” Smith went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Born in Charlotte, NC, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Ida Satterfield.
She was predeceased by a daughter, April Loraine. She is survived by her three children; Richard Shannon (Heather) Smith, Jennifer Leigh (Patrick) Swift and Jeremy Allen (Alisa) Smith. Judy was loved and adored by her 11 grandchildren: Jason West, Isabella Smith, Gabriella Smith, Peyton Smith, Trinity Smith, Hannah Swift, Sarah Grace Franz (Josiah), Samuel Swift, Benjamin Swift, Elodie Smith and Jasper Smith.
Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and soon to be great grandmother. She was an avid runner who also enjoyed reading, cooking and the ocean (her happy place).
After several years as a stay-at-home mom, she returned to Converse College and completed her elementary education degree. She taught school for 11 years. Every day, she began her classes with a prayer. She later put her teaching career behind her and went to work at Redemption Church where she faithfully dedicated herself to helping her husband with his executive pastor duties until her retirement.
All who knew Judy, knew her as a soft spoken, genuine and Spirit filled Christian who always saw the best in everyone. Adored by all who knew her, she will be desperately missed. Words cannot begin to describe the depth of love we all have for her.
Rest in peace Judy Smith. You have graduated from Christian militant to Christian victorious. You are now in your new happy place for all eternity.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Cannon-Byrd Funeral Home – Simpsonville, 313 North Main Street Simpsonville, SC 29681. Burial will take place following the service at Graceland East Memorial Park in Simpsonville.
Due to the increasing number of contagious illnesses in our area this season, the family is using caution and at their request will not be having a visitation or receiving of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Judy’s name.
Judy was such a precious, kind, soft spoken child of our Lord. I always enjoyed the brief times i was BLESSED to be in her presence. Rick i have been touched by your gentle spirt and care for sweet Judy. I am certainly praying for you and your wonderful family.
There will never be another as gentle and kind yet as mighty in the Lord as sweet Judy. The years spent in her and Rick’s daily presence were a gift, and her legacy of love lives on in her sweet, kind, and beautiful family. Our hearts are broken, but heaven rejoices to receive the most precious gift of Judy Smith. Never to be forgotten.
Our condolences, love and prayers to Rick and family. We were touched by her sweet and gentle spirit the few times that we were around her. May God bless you all now and in the days ahead.
Elder Judy was such a precious woman — so kind and gentle in spirit, yet mighty in the Lord at the same time. I consider myself truly blessed to have served under her leadership, alongside Elder Rick. The impact she made on my life and so many others will never be forgotten.
Mike and I send our deepest love and prayers to Elder Rick and the entire family. We are so thankful for the time we were able to spend with her and will forever cherish those memories.
What an honor it was to serve under the leadership of Elders Judy and Rick. Elder Judy was small in stature but a giant in the Lord. I just wanted to say thank you for all that she taught me. She was truly a woman of love and humility. She will forever be in my heart.
Rick,
With a heavy heart. I write, knowing words can’t heal a broken heart, during these times. Know I pray for your comfort as you continue this journey. Without Judy. God is able to lift you up and guide your path.
With love,
Thelma Ballew
Deepest sympathies from Jeremy’s colleagues at East Tennessee State University. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. -Ron Roach