Judy Forbes Doss Stanley

As I read the posts here I realize that Judy’s joy, optimism, passion for life, and radiant beauty is how we all knew her. What a friend♥️. Her love for Tom and how Tom cherished her was evident in the small and great events in their lives; the smiles, touches, and togetherness. They both were always there for me. Judy will always be an example of friendship in its truest form. I know she is at rest and enjoying her new home. Tom, God sent you a rare gift with Judy and you rose to the occasion by embracing And loving Judy. For as good as she made your life, you fulfilled hers. God bless you, Tom.

I am Charles Lewis; Judy's half-brother. My sister believed that anything was possible. I’m not exactly sure where she got this strong conviction. We were raised in different homes with different environments. I was far from convinced of this as a child, and only after seeing this self-fulfilling prophesy come to fruition in Judy’s own life was I finally brought around. Judy was serious and headstrong for as long as I can remember. Always ‘Judy’ and never ‘Judith,’ she seemed to be engaged in important work even when playing with her dolls, or calculating what should be done at the playground. It’s not that she wasn’t fun to be around, you just had to remember that the slide needed to be addressed before the swing. As she grew older, she seemed always to have a tight group of ‘collaborators’ around her, and soon her projects became ones that little brothers couldn’t offer much to. The fact that I passed algebra is certainly a testament to that fact. Nonetheless, she was always there for me if I needed help. My sister was loving and caring towards me. I remember her trading in her flute to get me, her little brother, an electric guitar for Christmas. She was giving and sweet. We had good times and bad, however, she was very forgiving. When she was in high school she could easily outrun me. That frustrated me. I later learned she was a track star at Fletcher High. And so, it came much more of a shock when I learned of her illness. Always the fighter, I had every confidence that she would soundly defeat the cancer that threatened her. I knew that she had so much more to give to those she loved. I hoped that she would come out OK. Somehow she didn’t. Still, as I stand here before you all today, looking out at the many lives she touched and remembering all the causes she championed and contributed to; I know that she has achieved what she set out to. Anything is possible. She proved that to us all. Judy will always be remembered for her warmth and generosity, her commitment to humanity as a group and as individuals, her brilliance and unflagging optimism, and her great big heart. She set an example of courage and compassion that inspired everyone who knew her. Godspeed, Judy – Heaven only knows what’s in store for you next!

Now the laborer’s task is o’er;
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now thy servant sleeping.
“Earth to earth and dust to dust,”
Calmly now the words we say,
Left behind, we wait in trust
For the resurrection day.
Father, in thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now thy servant sleeping.
-John Ellerton

Judy was the first person that I met when I started at Fletcher High School. Although she was a year older than me she embraced me and brought me into her circle. She always had such a shining smile and a joyous spirit. Many memories of Epsilon shenanigans..skipping school at the first sign of spring. She always loved the ocean, and I have many memories of our group and our seaside adventures. As life moved on we lost contact..but because of social media we hooked back up. I loved her beach themed online shop ….and we both shared the love of life by the sea. Heaven is brighter now that her joyful spirit is there..but her presence will be missed here amongst us, Abundant prayers over her family..especially her Tom. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but oh how I know how much she loved him and how much joy he brought into her life. Tom. May God hold you close to His heart as you navigate your grief. How blessed you were to capture the heart of such a joyous spirit as Judys♥️♥️♥️♥️ Sail high with the angels my friend