Judith Ann (Ashley) Markham, lovingly known as Judy, age 89, of Gallatin, Tennessee, passed away on April 27, 2026. She was born on December 1, 1936, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, to the late William Raleigh Ashley and Madie Graham Harrison.

Judy attended Tiptonville High School and graduated from South Side High School in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1954. She later continued her education and earned an Associate of Science degree from Dyersburg State Community College in 1978.

Judy was a devout Christian and lifelong member of the Church of Christ, most recently with the Hendersonville congregation. She lived her life grounded in her faith, which carried her through both joyful and challenging times. She was also a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Throughout her life, Judy had many passions. She enjoyed reading books, gardening, traveling, and bird watching. She was also a gifted soprano vocalist and an accomplished pianist. Professionally, she served as Executive Secretary to the Lake County Board of Education for 13 years. She later worked at Dyersburg State Community College for 19 years, first as Executive Secretary to the President and later as Business Operations Director.

Despite suffering a serious accident in 1999 that left her handicapped, Judy faced every adversity with remarkable strength and faith in God. She saw challenges as opportunities to overcome and became an inspiration to all who knew her, especially her beloved family.

In her later years, Judy found joy in the simple pleasures of life — playing board and card games, sitting outside listening to the birds, and watching movies while enjoying a big bowl of popcorn.

Judy cherished her role as the matriarch of her family. She maintained a close relationship with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and always looked forward to family gatherings that celebrated the legacy she created. She never met a stranger and was known for her warm spirit and positive outlook on life.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, William Raleigh Ashley and Madie Graham Harrison.

She is survived by her children: Vicky Lynn (Jones) Hinton (David Hinton), Richard Ashley Jones (Wendy Jones), Lee Ann (Arrington) Maxwell (Kenneth Maxwell), Jan Ann (Arrington) McCrary (Mike McCrary), and Jill Ann (Arrington) Loepke (Don Loepke).

She is also survived by her siblings: Sarah Jane (Ashley) Woods (late Bobby Woods) and William Harrison Ashley (Connie Cape Ashley).

Her cherished grandchildren include Holly (Wyatt) Rountree (Mark), Chuck Wyatt (Kim), Misty Wyatt, Richard Jones, Allie Jones, Harrison Jones (Kyrstine), Heidi Maxwell, Andi Maxwell, Tucker Maxwell, and Jacob McCrary.

Her treasured great-grandchildren include Jaden Alligood, Landon Alligood, Kennedy Jones, Milie Wyatt, Mallory Wyatt, Blaine Jones, Zander Mantooth, Kason Allen, Thomas Sabina, Evie Jones, Tanner Jones, and Naomi Jones.

She is also survived by her niece, Autumn Woods; nephews, Richard and Benjamin Ashley; and cousin, Jim Prather.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind (guidingeyes.org), Shriners Hospitals for Children (donate.shrinerschildrens.org), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Service arrangements are being finalized and will be held in West Tennessee in late June.