Judith “Judy” Anne White Overall was born in Booneville, MS, February 3, 1947, to Willie Bynum White and Helen Rivers Finch. She is a member of Booneville First Methodist Church. Most of her childhood was spent making cherished memories with a host of cousins and friends. A member of Booneville High School’s beloved Class of 1965, she went on to attend Northeast Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in educational psychology and master’s degree in special education. Judy is most proud of returning to college later in life to complete a master’s degree in healthcare management and her Juris doctorate at the University of Mississippi. Throughout her life, she valued her mentors, Gene Gifford and Donald Franks, who helped her during law school and as she started her law career.
Judy’s first work after law school was at Langston, Lott, and Langston law firm. She also taught business law and courses in the paralegal technology program at Northeast Mississippi Community College. Her second career and lifelong passion for healthcare law truly began when she worked in Jackson at the Attorney General’s office and then as a law professor at Tulane University. Teaching students within both the medical and law school developed her passion for patient centered healthcare achieved through education and policy reform. During her time at Tulane and the latter part of her career, Judy traveled the world as a healthcare consultant providing education and guidance to medical schools and facilities to encourage and increase patient centered care.
Travel and a constant thirst for knowledge were integral parts of Judy’s life. She enjoyed sharing travel adventures with family and friends, and she challenged others to always seek learning opportunities, as well. This was most evident when Judy spent time with her granddaughters, Frances and Helen Potts. They were her pride and joy.
Judy was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Jeri Potts (Jason); her brother Bill White (Paula); granddaughters Frances Bernice Potts and Helen Ree Potts; nephews Will White (Mary Margaret) and Rob White (Lindi); and nieces Sarah Grace Turner (Matt) and Mary Madeline White; great nieces and nephews Anne Bailey, Maggie, William, Rosie, Sam, Mae Ellington, and Lottie.
In typical Judy fashion, there are no services planned, certainly no pomp and circumstance. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Judy Overall Memorial Scholarship established through the Northeast Foundation C/O NEMCC, 101 Cunningham Boulevard, Booneville, MS 38829 (please make donations payable to NE Foundation *for Judy Overall Memorial Scholarship). McMillan Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
