Thelma Irene Splawn Judd

Thelma died at home March 26, 2021.

Thelma was born at home November 18, 1931 between Melvin Hill and Fingerville in the northern piedmont of South Carolina. She was the 2nd of 7 children born to Joseph Theodore Splawn and Pearlie Mae Hunsinger Splawn. Three brothers - Alvin Dupree Splawn, Leon Cleatis Splawn, and Dewitt Talmadge Splawn preceded here in death. She is survived by 2 sisters, Barbara Ann Gilmer and Peggy Joyce Campbell, one brother, Donald Wayne Splawn, 2 sons, and 2 grandchildren.

Thelma majored in English at Berea College in Kentucky, graduating in June 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. The following summer she completed additional course-work at Wofford College in Spartanburg SC to become certified to teach English. Before marrying she taught English in Louisiana and Florida for several years. In 1976 she graduated from Valdosta State College with a Masters of Education degree and was certified in Georgia as a Reading Specialist. She then taught English and remedial reading in the Lowndes County and Valdosta City schools for 11 years.

Thelma was married to Joe Bernard Judd (born in Nashville TN) November 5th, 1960 at Riverside Baptist Church in Jacksonville FL. In 1962 the couple moved to Valdosta where sons Bruce Judd of Charlotte NC and Charles Judd of Valdosta were born in 1963 and 1968 respectively. Charles is married to Mary Evelyn Ray Judd and they have 2 children - Leslie and Philip. Bernard died February 27th, 2010.

Thelma was baptized at age 15, and thereafter joined Campobello (SC) Baptist Church. Thelma and Bernard and their sons were members of Lee Street Baptist Church in Valdosta. We the children are grateful for the steadfast dedication to family and faith that Thelma and Bernard exhibited in their effort to raise us “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”. We give praise and glory to God in triune for His blessings and protection through the seasons of Thelma’s life. Yet greater is our gratitude to Jesus Christ for his saving work in which Thelma believed and about which she testified. In all these things, blessed be the name of the Lord.

At 10 am Wednesday, March 31st, a graveside service will be held at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens (Valdosta) where the body will be interred beside her husband’s grave. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.