Judy Gayle Smith

Judy Gayle Smith—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend—passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Athens, Georgia. She was born on March 14, 1949, in Gainesville, Georgia, and lived a life marked by deep love, joy, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends.

Judy began her professional career at an early age with The Gainesville Times, where she found great success in advertising sales. While she was accomplished in her work, Judy was most defined not by her career, but by the warmth of her spirit, the generosity of her heart, and the way she made everyone feel deeply loved and valued.

She was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Dr. Jerry Smith, with whom she shared a life rich in companionship, laughter, and enduring love for 39 years. Together, they built a family rooted in care, strength, and connection.

Judy’s legacy lives on through her children: Jill Combs; Chad Cope and his wife, Kim; and Stephanie Perez and her husband, Ray. To them, she was far more than a mother—she was a guiding light, a source of constant encouragement, and a steadfast presence through every season of life.

She poured her heart into her grandchildren—Davis Combs, Parker Combs, Zachary Cope and his wife, Bella, Austin Cope and his fiancé, Madelyn Bush, Jake Perez, Ruby Perez, and Hunter Perez—who lovingly knew her as Nana, Gamma, Gam, and Nana J. Each shared laugh, gentle lesson, and treasured moment will forever echo in their hearts.

Judy was also blessed to be a great-grandmother to Lena Kendrick, Raelyann Cope, and Lydia Cope, each of whom experienced the tenderness and joy of her loving embrace.

She cherished her sisters, Debbie Cooper and her husband, Doug; Patti Minton; and Sharron McClung, sharing with them a lifetime of memories, laughter, and sisterly bonds that shaped who they were. Judy’s fierce friendships and generous spirit left a lasting imprint of kindness and loyalty on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harley Earl Duvall and Mary Louise Duvall. Though they have gone before her, Judy’s love and strength continue to ripple through her family, inspiring them to honor her memory through their lives and relationships.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Judy during visitations on January 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and January 10, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home West in Watkinsville, Georgia. A funeral service celebrating her life will immediately follow at 3:00 PM in the Lord & Stephens West Chapel.

Judy Gayle Smith will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the lives and hearts of those who loved her.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, Georgia, is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com