Judy Johnson Gowan

Jerri and I met Judy and Tommy through the world of high school wrestling. Both their sons were wrestling partners of our sons. We spent many hours together watching our children and getting to know each other. What we remember the most was that we all became tremendous fans of each other. We remember that Judy always had a stack of school papers to grade and also became one of the most excited fans of the wrestling team. Michael and Johnathan, she was your biggest fan. She will be missed but not forgotten. Jerri and Larry Moseley

Jerri and I met Judy and Tommy through the world of high school wrestling. Both their sons were wrestling partners of our sons. We spent many hours together watching our children and getting to know each other. What we remember the most was that we all became tremendous fans of each other. We remember that Judy always had a stack of school papers to grade and also became one of the most excited fans of the wrestling team. Michael and Johnathan, she was your biggest fan. She will be missed but not forgotten. Jerri and Larry Moseley

Judy was my dear, precious friend for thirty-eight years, more than half my life. Those years went by in a flash. We started at Chapin High School together in 1985; she arrived as a veteran teacher, and I arrived as a "rookie." Judy taught me so much about how to be a teacher; she was truly the epitome of a mentor and a professional. Through the years she also taught me some geometry (it wasn't my strength in 10th grade) and other tricks for doing math. She had such a joy for learning and a passion for teaching. She built a great rapport with her students and helped so many become successful adults. Judy and Tommy were the first "foodies" I ever met. Their kitchen was the source of all kinds of "good eats," and they were always ready and happy to share leftovers. If you went to their house, whether for a meal or for a quick visit, you took home leftovers. Yummy leftovers. Our friend Judi Askins always said, "They feed the world," and how true that was; they shared food with friends, the CHS faculty, and their neighbors. Judy always made a plate after Sunday dinner for the elderly couple next door. When her other neighbor, Frances, was diagnosed with cancer, Judy took a plate of leftovers from her evening meals to share with her. She also clued us in on some of her "haunts," Nick's House of Pizza and The Kingsman. She didn't let us down; Nick's is definitely one of my haunts now and The Kingsman is a close runner-up. I always loved going to Judy's house. It was full of good food, but more importantly, it was full of love. Judy was a champion people-watcher. She had a talent for observation that is unrivaled. She could pick up on small details, such as a hairstyle, a manner of walking, or some quirk of wardrobe, that could provoke the giggles. Most of her observations were quite funny, while others were thoughtful and also thought-provoking. Her quick--and sometimes wise-guy--wit was the source of great entertainment when "the girls" were all together. I truly appreciate all that Judy did for me. She became my friend, a confidant, and a prayer warrior for my family and for me. Her life was an example of unconditional love, generosity, and Christian witness. I miss her so much already. Kathy Murphy

Judy was my dear, precious friend for thirty-eight years, more than half my life. Those years went by in a flash. We started at Chapin High School together in 1985; she arrived as a veteran teacher, and I arrived as a "rookie." Judy taught me so much about how to be a teacher; she was truly the epitome of a mentor and a professional. Through the years she also taught me some geometry (it wasn't my strength in 10th grade) and other tricks for doing math. She had such a joy for learning and a passion for teaching. She built a great rapport with her students and helped so many become successful adults. Judy and Tommy were the first "foodies" I ever met. Their kitchen was the source of all kinds of "good eats," and they were always ready and happy to share leftovers. If you went to their house, whether for a meal or for a quick visit, you took home leftovers. Yummy leftovers. Our friend Judi Askins always said, "They feed the world," and how true that was; they shared food with friends, the CHS faculty, and their neighbors. Judy always made a plate after Sunday dinner for the elderly couple next door. When her other neighbor, Frances, was diagnosed with cancer, Judy took a plate of leftovers from her evening meals to share with her. She also clued us in on some of her "haunts," Nick's House of Pizza and The Kingsman. She didn't let us down; Nick's is definitely one of my haunts now and The Kingsman is a close runner-up. I always loved going to Judy's house. It was full of good food, but more importantly, it was full of love. Judy was a champion people-watcher. She had a talent for observation that is unrivaled. She could pick up on small details, such as a hairstyle, a manner of walking, or some quirk of wardrobe, that could provoke the giggles. Most of her observations were quite funny, while others were thoughtful and also thought-provoking. Her quick--and sometimes wise-guy--wit was the source of great entertainment when "the girls" were all together. I truly appreciate all that Judy did for me. She became my friend, a confidant, and a prayer warrior for my family and for me. Her life was an example of unconditional love, generosity, and Christian witness. I miss her so much already. Kathy Murphy

I had done some work on the home of Ms Judy and Mr Gowen. They were both very gracious and pleasant to deal with. I visited Ms Judy a few weeks ago. She had such grace even in the grasp of her sickness. She was so secure in her future. She will be missed by many.

I had done some work on the home of Ms Judy and Mr Gowen. They were both very gracious and pleasant to deal with. I visited Ms Judy a few weeks ago. She had such grace even in the grasp of her sickness. She was so secure in her future. She will be missed by many.