Judy Lynn Rivers, 60, died Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Sanctuary Hospice, Tupelo, MS. She was born April 20, 1963 to Jerry and Eunice Ware. She attended school at Tishomingo where she graduated in 1981. Judy enjoyed basketball and cheerleading. She went on to Northeast Community College and then attended Mississippi State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education, followed by a Masters of Education. After finishing school, Judy’s first job was teaching at Tishomingo Elementary. She loved kids and the kids loved Ms Judy. She was the teacher that every parent wanted their kids to have as their teacher. She taught her later years at Cherokee, AL where she retired with over thirty-two years. Judy loved animals. She grew up riding and showing quarter horses. She enjoyed the company of two of her best friends, “Missy” and “Smokey” but most of all, Judy loved her son, James. She enjoyed watching him grow to become a fine young man. She was a member of Harris Chapel Baptist Church.
Services will be Sunday, September 24, 3 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church, Dennis, MS with Bro. David Smith officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by her son – James Rivers, Cherokee, AL; her mother – Eunice Ware, Tupelo, MS; brother – Jeff Ware (Cheryl) Tupelo, MS; sister – Tammy Sparks (Stan) and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, her close friend, Mel Posey and a brother-in-law, Phillip Sparks.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Sparks, Jared Ware, James Rivers and Jeff Ware.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 24, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church.
