Judy Graddy Neal

Posted on November 5, 2025

Judy Graddy Neal, 77, of Fayetteville, Ga., formerly of Perry, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Oct. 1, 2025 (All Hallows’ Eve), surrounded by members of her loving family.

She was born in Columbus, Ga., to the late Marion Daniel Graddy Sr. and Julia Wooddy Graddy on July 12, 1948.

Judy is survived by: her beloved husband of 54 years, Larry David Neal; daughter, Claire Neal Burke (Allen) of Atlanta; grandchildren, Elizabeth Maddox Burke and Alexander Nash Burke; twin sister, Jan (Bill) Lee of Vidalia, Ga.; sister-in-law, Sylvia Graddy of Newnan, Ga.; brothers-in-law, Bill Neal (Judy) of Fayetteville, Steve Neal (Anne) of Albany, Ga., and Jeff Neal (Margene) of Albany; and a host of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents and her brother, Danny.

Judy’s strong faith was the cornerstone of her life.

She was a devout Christian and actively involved in the churches of her youth and those her husband pastored throughout their ministry together.

Her pilgrimage complete, she joins the great cloud of witnesses in everlasting praise.

A graduate of Columbus High School, Judy earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and a graduate degree from the University of South Carolina.

Her lifelong dedication to education led her to serve in public schools for more than four decades, including 29 years with the Taylor County School System in Perry.

Judy loved teaching, but more importantly, she wanted each student to feel loved and for each student to see the best in themselves.

She unselfishly gave of her time and resources to make sure her students were cared for, and their needs were met.

Known for her wit, Judy’s often quipped “a clean house is a sign of a misspent life.” 

What she did spend her time and passion on was working with the shrubs, plants and flowers in her beautiful home garden. 

She never encountered a dog she did not pet, and, to the consternation of her husband, adopted way too many homeless pets.

Judy loved being a “Ya-Ya” with Ruth, Diane and Hilda, laughing with the very esteemed “I Delta Club” bridge group, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs with her UGA friends, reading with her book club and being a friend to many.

Perhaps most of all, she loved her role as “Shugie” to her grandchildren.

Judy’s life on earth was well lived. She has now finished the race, kept the faith and entered the glorious company of the Church Triumphant.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home in Fayetteville, with the Rev. William “Bill” T. Neal III officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. 

A future memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Perry.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judy’s memory to one or more of the following organizations: First Presbyterian Church, Perry; Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church, Peachtree City, Ga.; Woodbury Methodist Church, Woodbury, Ga.; Visiting Nurse Hospice Atlanta; or a charitable organization of your choosing.  We welcome you to provide your condolences, thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall at Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service (www.mowells.com).