Mrs. Judith (Judy) Diane Walser McKamey, aged 78, of Johnson City, peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

Born January 23, 1946, in Johnson City, TN, Judy grew up in the tight-knit community of Clifton View Baptist Church during the 1950s and 60s, where she became an integral part of the church family. As a pianist and organist, she shared her musical talents with the congregation, and as a teacher, she inspired generations of young people in the junior boys' Sunday school class. In addition to these roles, Judy also contributed significantly to the church's administrative duties, setting the foundation for a life centered around faith, family, and service.

After graduating from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 1968 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Judy married Gary McKamey of Piney Flats, TN. The couple's journey together took them to Southern Maryland, where Judy embarked on a rewarding career in education. Her first teaching assignment was as a fifth-grade teacher at Mary Hughes Elementary School in Sullivan County, TN, before relocating to St. Mary's County, MD. There, Judy made a profound impact in the St. Mary's County Public School System, where she worked for over 30 years, serving in a variety of roles, including as a reading specialist and, later, as the Supervisor of Reading Instruction. She earned a Master’s degree in Education in 1981 from the University of Maryland, a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Western Maryland University in 1997, and was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Southern Maryland Teaching Sorority.

Judy's professional contributions extended beyond the classroom. She was deeply involved in various educational organizations, including the Southern Maryland Reading Council, where she held several leadership positions, including President in 1990. She was also a member of the Southern Maryland Retired Teachers Association and the St. Mary's County Reading Council, where she contributed to the advancement of literacy in her community. Her work earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and students alike.

After retiring from St. Mary's County Public Schools in 2004, Judy returned to Johnson City, TN, to be closer to her immediate family. Judy quickly became an active member of Central Baptist Church, where she participated in the Hannah Class Sunday School Ministry and the Adult Literacy Ministry. Her passion for literacy continued to guide her as she helped others in her community.

Throughout her life, Judy’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the lights of her life. She maintained close relationships with her family, including those in San Diego, CA, always prioritizing family connections no matter the distance.

Judy’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service to the Lord and her community, whether in her role as a mother, grandmother, teacher, or church member. Her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith will be remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Sean McKamey (wife Patricia) and two grandchildren, Caelan and Theodore McKamey; two sisters, Jo Ann Holley and Jean Tipton; her brother, Alan Walser; sister-in-law. Mary Ann Walser; and several nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey & Ruby Gobble Walser, brother, Harold Walser, brothers-in-law, Clyde Holley and Lynn Tipton, and a sister-in-law, Lana Fair Walser.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30pm on Nov 16th at Central Baptist Church, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the church from 1130-1230 prior to the service. Interment services will follow at 2pm at Monte Vista Burial Park.

Judith will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.