Jonesborough - Judith Ann Robertson, 76, passed away Tuesday, March 22 at Johnson City Medical Center. She was born in Fort Wayne, IN to the late Marvin and Ada Walter. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, Lee Robertson.
Judith graduated from Science Hill High School and East Tennessee State University, where she obtained a degree in Music Education, and delighted in teaching music for several years at local elementary schools after graduation. Judith and Lee were devoted members of Cherokee United Methodist Church, where Judith was the music director for over 40 years, leading adult, youth, and children’s choirs, handbell groups, and instrumental ensembles. She played with the Elizabethton Community Handbell Choir for over 20 years. Later in life Judith enjoyed leading the choir at Otterbein United Methodist Church, singing with the congregation at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, and playing handbells at Jonesborough Presbyterian Church. Judith’s love of music filled her life with joy and influenced many others over the years.
Judith was a volunteer throughout her life dedicating her time and energy to causes that were important to her. She made many close friends through United Methodist Women, Church Women United, Asbury Center, and The Melting Pot. Judith and Lee especially loved connecting with and supporting college students who attended Cherokee and the ETSU Wesley Foundation.
Nothing made Judith happier than living on the farm and raising the girls with Lee; they loved hosting friends and family in their home. Judith was quick to laugh and smile, especially when spending time with her sister Brenda. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and loving on her cats.
Judith is survived by her daughter Leanna Johnson, son-in-law Brandon Johnson, and daughter Laura Robertson; sister Brenda Hamilton (Gordon) and niece Amye Hamilton; sister-in-law Lynda Newman and niece April White (Monty); sister-in-law Sherry Robertson, niece Whitney Crawford (Matthew) and nephew David Robertson. She was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law Gary Robertson and Dexter Newman and nephew David Hamilton.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-1:30PM on Saturday, April 2 at Cokesbury United Methodist Church (110 Mary St., Johnson City, TN 37615) with visitation following. Reverends Kim Hingers, Paul Longmire, and Randy Pasqua will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ETSU Wesley Foundation or the Roy A. Robertson Scholarship Fund at ETSU.
Judith was the most joyful person in all situations and settings. Always there for anyone with whom she had contact. Always with a smile and beautiful laugh. She loved her girls and her Lee but made plenty of time for others and for the many activities she so loved. She is missed.
My time at ETSU Wesley Foundation and Cherokee United Methodist Church while attending college are some of my best memories. I remember Judith very fondly. She is such a beautiful person and was always so welcoming and friendly to me. My prayers are with her family and friends during this time.
03/29/2022
Jerry and Claudia Cardwell
Judith was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. I ‘grew up’ with her through the Cherokee Church youth group and she was always such a genuinely nice person. She had a relationship with everyone in our family and although we have lived away from Johnson City for many years now, we spoke often about her. Judith provided the music for our wedding and Claudia and I just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. Our friendship with Judith goes back over 60 years. I can still remember when Lee began coming to church with her. Our loss….heaven’s gain. Kindest regards and sincere condolences to Brenda and the entire Robertson family.
Jerry and Claudia Cardwell
Eads (Memphis), TN.
03/29/2022
Chauncey L. Slater
My prayers and love are with you all during this time. Mrs. Judith was a jewel, and I am truly going to miss her. I know she is making a joyful noise in Heaven with The Father. No other like her.
My deepest sympathy to all. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by all. God Bless.
03/28/2022
Brenda Wardeska
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Judith. We taught Pre-School together and my husband Jeff and I were friends of both Judith and Lee through the Methodist Church. She was always positive and had a wonderful relationship to the children she taught. We were both also very involved with music, so interacted many different times in that capacity. She was very talented, but modest, and always showed kindness, compassion and love for others. I remember her as a very gracious lady I was happy to have in my life. My heartfelt sympathy and love to all who mourn her. A loss to the world.
03/28/2022
Elizabeth Dahley (White)
Aunt Judith was one of those special people everyone needs to meet in their life time. The kind of person who exudes joy, grace, and a love for others. No matter the kind of day, she was always smiling, hugging, and thanking God to be alive. I was extremely blessed to have known her and even be related to someone so extraordinary. She has set an example for me to lead with kindness and love above all else. I will be eternally thankful for that example.
You will be missed Aunt Judith, but I’m sure God has been saving a special spot in his heavenly choir just for you! Love and miss you
03/28/2022
Wassan Broyles
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Robertson. That's what so many has known her by. Couldn't wait for music class. What a wonderful teacher she was and later in life every time I might see her at Valley she always had a smile on her face. My sincere condolences go out to the friends and family of Mrs. Robertson may she rest in peace. She will truly be missed by many, Wassan and Vickie Broyles.
03/27/2022
Jose and Lisa Rivera
Judith and Lee were a Special part of our lives when we came to Cherokee United Methodist Church. Judith took me under her wing and brought me into the choir where I enjoyed singing for 10 years! I made very special friends that all felt like family. I remember making apple butter and the hay rides that Lee would give all the kids while Jose and I helped cook in the kitchen. Judith always had a smile and always gave her all. Our family sends the deepest condolences and prayers for Leanna and Laura and their families. Jose, Lisa, Beth and Joey Rivera
03/27/2022
Susan Mulligan
Judith will be missed by so many. She was such a special lady. Her smiles were infectious, her joy of life uplifting. Nothing I can say will ease your pain but just imagine her joining her voice in that heavenly choir with Lee.
Judith always had a smile on her face and a song in her heart. She was definitely a one of a kind. She will be missed here but I know she is playing those handbells and singing with the Lord. I pray for God’s comfort for your family.
03/26/2022
Deborah Lynn Lucas Lewicki
I am very sad to hear about the loss of Judith . I know that there is nothing I could say that would even come close to ease your sadness. I am miles away but you are in my thoughts and prayers. Judith holds a very special place in my heart!
LeeAnn and family - I am so sorry for your loss. Judith was one of the best. We worked and traveled in the United Methodist Women and Judith was always such a delight to be around. I will truly miss her and her talents. Know I love you and you are in my prayers.
03/26/2022
Jerry and Adrienne Cook
I am so sorry to hear about Judith's passing. She and Lee were two of the kindest people. They always made sure to welcome everyone and make sure that everyone felt welcomed. Again, I am sorry for your loss.
03/26/2022
Donna Nelson Barnes
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So very sorry for your loss. Many thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
03/26/2022
SHIRLEY CUTSHALL
JUDITH WAS A BEAUTIFUL LADY. HER MUSIC AND SMILES I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WITH LOVE.
