Judith Diane Gempel

Judith Diane Moody Gempel left us to be with her Lord on June 23, 2026, in Lanark, Florida. Judy was a unique and devoted lady who shared her love for life through her constant smiles and laughter. Music was a significant part of her life, particularly songs of the 1970s, and she will always be fondly remembered by her close friends as "Sweet Judy Blue Eyes." Her faith remained strong throughout her life. She was a member of the Lanark Community Church since 1996, always welcoming new attendees and was a beacon of faith ready to share with family, friends and new acquaintances the peace found by being still and welcoming God at every opportunity. Judy was born December 2, 1954, in Jesup, Georgia, and graduated in 1972 from Wayne County High. She was a cheerleader for the Yellow Jackets, and the senior Homecoming Queen. She received her bachelor’s degree in art history from Valdosta State University in 1976 and then moved to Tallahassee, Florida. She worked as a graphic artist at Homes and Land Magazine and Alpha Advertising until around 1998 when she decided to pursue a career as a physical fitness instructor and earned professional certifications in Geriatric and Rehabilitation Physical Training and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Judy assisted many clients at Women’s World Fitness Center, Gold’s Gym and later with the Chiropractic office of Dr. Calvin Melton. She met her husband Norm through their mutual love of working with clay and they married on October 2, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. Judy and Norm enjoyed spending their time between their two paradise homes - in the Wakulla County woods, and by the water in Lanark. Always one to lift another up, Judy continuously had one or two adopted humane society dogs and leaves her current faithful rescue dog Isaac to take care of Norm. One highlight of Judy’s life that she eagerly anticipated was an annual reunion with friends (“Sistahs”) at “Girls’ House party” which were always held at a beach location. This wonderful gathering always lifted the spirits of all who attended and the Sistahs were blessed with this tradition for 34 years. Everyone who met Judy soon realized that she was indeed one of God’s angels on earth. As the old hymn reminds us, we “give thanks with a grateful heart”, for Judy's life and her influence on our lives. She will be deeply missed by all……… A memorial service will be held on July 7, 2026, at the Young Family Funeral Home & Chapel, 3106 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, Florida. Visitation begins at 12:00 pm and the service at 1:00 pm. A second memorial service will be held that afternoon, at 5:00 pm at the Lanark Community Church. 171 Spring Street, Lanark Village, Florida, in lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness every day - Judy would approve. Any memorial donations can be made to Big Bend Hospice Franklin County, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Judith Diane Gempel

December 2, 1954 - June 23, 2026