Judy Odelle (Hutchins) Smyth, age 76, of Franklin Park, IL, passed away July 26, 2021, from complications post cancer treatment. She lived 2 more years than doctors gave her, fearlessly fighting it every step of the way, and remained strong until her final breath.
Judy was born in Reno, NV, in August 1944. She was the oldest daughter of June Carnell and Tressie Dee (Hufstetler) Hutchins.
Judy graduated from Grand Cane High School, in Grand Cane LA in 1962.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Paula Bradford, and her husband of 38 years, Leonard C. Smyth.
Judy was a stay-at-home mom for most of her life, then worked for nearly 20 years as an insurance specialist for RH Laird Hospital in Kilgore, TX, before retiring to enjoy lake life in Mineola, TX.
She enjoyed antique collecting, restoring, driving (also occasional drag racing) classic sports cars, and bird watching from her back porch. She was especially fond of dragonflies, hummingbirds and red cardinals.
She loved East Texas, but spent the last two years of her life in Franklin Park, IL, with her devoted companion, Lou Cutaia of Franklin Park, IL, where they spent time dining out, watching old movies, riding around in her Mustang convertible, and hanging out at Ranger Sound.
Judy always dressed and presented herself as a classy Southern lady, and never failed to turn heads when she walked into a room. Everyone who encountered Judy instantly fell in love with her sweet demeanor, southern charm and cherished her presence.
Judy is survived by her three children, Charles R. Jones, of Butler, MO, Teresa Mechelle Jones, of El Dorado Hills, CA, Holley K. Mulholland of Phoenix, AZ, two step-children, William Smyth of Dallas, TX, and Lenny Smyth of Phoenix, AZ, and her niece and nephew, Angela Bradford Wilson of Port Vincent, LA, and Chris Bradford of Shreveport, LA.
She is further survived by her grandchildren, Trevor and Mason Fenton, Caden and Hunter Mulholland, Heather Denny, Eden Thompson, Leah Jones, and several great grandchildren.
Service date is pending and will be made public when final.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to request that you kindly make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Judy’s name.
We hope that no family has to worry about medical bills during their very difficult time dealing with cancer.
Our mother would be so happy knowing she made an impact after her passing. Thank you for donating. Here is a link to her page:
https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR /GiftFunds/GiftFunds ?px=7140469&pg=personal&fr_id=39300