Judith Kay Workman

Herrin- JUDITH KAY WORKMAN, age 62, of Herrin, passed away at 6:15pm, Monday, August 3, 2009 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. She was surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. Judy was born to Margaret and Louis Absher in Herrin on May 13, 1947. She grew up in a household of nine children and remained close with her siblings throughout her life. She attended Herrin schools where she made excellent grades and had many friends. Despite having Polio at age two and wearing a leg brace, Judy was never handicapped- quite the opposite. She married Kenneth Dewey Workman at the Energy Baptist Church on August 6, 1966. They shared forty-two of marriage. She was a wonderfully active mother to two fine boys and grandmother to six grandchildren. Judy excelled in everything she tried from sewing, to interior decorating, to playing the piano, to antiquing, to the computer, to flower arranging, crafting, and numerous other activities. In addition to all this, Judy had time to work for the Tax Assessors office in Williamson County, the Regional Superintendent of Schools in Williamson County and John A Logan College. She made lifelong friends at every turn. If she worked with you every day, you instantly became part of her life. Her Thursday Night group included co-workers and friends she had accumulated over the years. Another Logan group was kept close to Judy as well. Judy was kind and helpful to others. Whether it was sewing something for a wedding, buying shoes for someone who needed them, slipping someone a few dollars, or taking a child to church, Judy was always looking out to see if anyone needed help. She did it quietly with no expectation of recognition. Her positive attitude was always one of The cup is not half empty-its half full. She was an interesting, fun, joyful person. She hosted Teddy Bear Teas for her granddaughters, nieces, and other little girls for many years at Christmastime. She spared no expense, time, nor decorations for the teas that brought such great excitement to the little girls. Judy enjoyed collecting tea sets and antique glassware. Her home she decorated with love is a tribute to all that Judy was-a classy lady. Judy attended Hurricane Memorial Baptist Church in Herrin, where she taught Sunday school for several years, and was involved in church activities. She always brought children to Sunday school with her as well as taught them. She was a fine moral example to her own children and grandchildren as well as to her pupils and other people. She loved the Lord and called on Him many times in her life. Judys grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved them, taught them, nurtured them, cared for them, and was so proud of them. She will leave a void in their lives that cannot be measured. Judy will be missed because she was such a vital part of so many peoples lives. But she will be with us always in spirit, especially at Christmastime when she decorated, held teas and parties, bought those special gifts for her loved ones, and spread her love. Judy leaves behind her husband- Kenneth Workman, two sons- Kenny Louis and Jason Workman, grandchildren- Phillip, Toni, Samantha, Aaron, Andrew, and Emma Workman, parents- Margaret and Louis Absher, sisters- Jewell Hoffard, Marie Campanella, Paula Oldani, and Connie Bissey, brothers- Emmitt Absher, Ron Absher, Franklin Absher, and Mike Absher. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews to whom she was the special aunt. She was preceded in death by her brother- Keith Absher, Grandma Absher, and MaMa Hale. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Friday, August 7, 2009 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Dr. Randy Grace and Rev. Duane Faulkenberry officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be held from 5-9pm on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Hurricane Memorial Baptist Church in Herrin. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com