Judy Driver, 85, of Taylorville, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 19, 1938, in Taylorville, IL, to Frederick and Eileen (Mansfield) Wareham, Judy's life was a tapestry of dedication and love. She married James Driver on October 11, 1968. Unfortunately, their time together was cut short by Jim’s passing on February 18, 1977.
Judy's warmth and kindness extended beyond her immediate circle. Known for her infectious humor, she brought smiles to everyone she encountered, and she never knew a stranger. Her generosity knew no bounds. Family, friends, neighbors, including her Schwan’s delivery drivers and mail carriers, were often greeted with her homemade meals and treats, a testament to her nurturing spirit. Judy's compassion wasn't limited to humans; her heart was just as big for animals. Her love for animals began at a young age. She participated in 4-H throughout her school years and raised many champion pigs. During her life, she provided food, warmth, and shelter to countless strays, giving them a haven and love when they needed it most. Animals seemed to always be able to sense this in Judy, as if they knew they would always be safe and loved with her. The same could be said about people that came across her as well.
Judy's work ethic was unparalleled. She started her first job at the young age of 12, assisting in her parents' dairy. She traveled from county to county on weekends, offering samples in stores, laying the groundwork for her remarkable work discipline. Judy's professional life was diverse and robust, always juggling multiple jobs. One of her favorite jobs was running the kitchen at Rene's Drug Store, where she took great pride in her cooking, often remarking with joy, “Everyone loved my cooking, and that really made me proud.” She spent most of her career as an “Avon Lady” for an impressive 42 years. All of this, she accomplished while raising her children, often single-handedly, a testament to her strength and determination.
Her life was a beacon of hard work, love, and laughter. Judy's legacy is not just in the jobs she held or the challenges she overcame, but in the lives she touched, the laughter she shared, and the love she spread. She leaves behind a community that is richer for her presence and a family that will carry her spirit forward.
She is survived by her children: Lori (Chuck) Day of Ft. Myers, FL, Jeff (Angie) Jackson of Taylorville, IL; Sandy (Tom) Davidson of Springfield, IL; Shannon (Doyle) Slifer of Champaign, IL; Tanya (Chad) Michel of Edinburg, IL; grandchildren: Megan (Keith) Pasquale, Jordan (Abby) Jackson, Jaydon Jackson, Brittany Bradford, Courtney Davidson, Alex (Kelsey) Slifer, Erin Slifer, Ryan Slifer, Lulu Slifer, Taylor Michel, Jack Michel; four great-grandchildren; sister: Jan (Bill) Reller of Loudon, TN; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her beloved dog Gracie. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister: Joyce Wareham, husband: Jim and her longtime partner Mike Sellers.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, February 19th at 12:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville with Pastor Dennis Metsker officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judy’s name to Taylorville’s local animal shelter: CCAC, 300 S. Baughman Rd. Taylorville, IL 62568.
McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
