Judith Rebecca Webb died Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Huntsville, AL. She was 87. Born in Caledonia, MS, to Joseph and Willie Mae “Jeannie” Conner Whitley, Judy grew up in Columbus, the youngest of three sisters.
While still a student at Lee High School, she worked at WACR where she quickly became a favorite DJ and worked her way up to be named continuity director. After studies at Mississippi State College for Women, she married Roland Atkins, with whom she had a son, Roland Davis Atkins, Jr., and a daughter, Susan Conner Atkins. That marriage ended in divorce and in 1985, Judy married Channel 4 WCBI reporter Pete Webb with whom she spent years of love and laughter. Upon his death in 1999, Judy moved to Huntsville.
Bright, funny, and deeply compassionate, Judy made lifelong friends during a fulfilling career in church administration. She was a passionate thrifter, yard saler, antiquer, and artist, known for her quirky, creative assemblages. She treasured her Sundays at Holmes Street Methodist Church where she regularly served as liturgist, inspiring congregants with her beautiful voice and diction. She cheered for the Crimson Tide, but above all, loved her family.
Judy was predeceased by her parents, her son, Davy Atkins, sisters, Celia Holder and Marion Whitley, and nephew, Whitley Adam Leonard. She is survived by her daughter, Susan, (her fearless champion and caregiver during her recent illness); adored grandchildren, Derek Joseph Atkins (Olivia), Danielle Marie Atkins Bernard (Jay), Devin Lynn Atkins, Robert E. Cummings III (Madison), and Nell Catherine Cummings; great-grandchildren, Penelope James Atkins, Lucas Joseph Bernard, Cecilia Jean Bernard, and Robert E. Cummings IV; a niece, Whit Hill (Alan); a nephew, John Leonard; beloved cousins, great-nieces and -nephews; her dearest friend, Mary Buttram Young; and her cherished cat, Winston, who has recently moved to Houston, Texas.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Holmes St. United Methodist Church, 501 Holmes Ave. NE, Huntsville, with the memorial service immediately following. Interment will be at Egger Cemetery, Caledonia, MS.
