1945
Judith
2015
Judith Hopson Phelps
April 4, 1945 — January 19, 2015
Listen to Obituary
Judy Phelps of Moneta died at home on Monday, January 19, age 69, from the cumulative effects of a lengthy battle with lung cancer.
She is survived by her husband of almost 47 years, David Reeves Phelps of Moneta, VA; daughter, Melissa Phelps Firestone (Jonathan) of Broadlands, VA; son, Steven David Phelps (Sabrina Shugars) of Fairview Heights, IL; six grandchildren, Hunter, Kelsi, Ashtin, Abigail, Caroline and Caithen; brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Christine Phelps; "sister by marriage", Marguerite Hopson; four nieces and nephews, Debbie, Kim, James and Michael; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Marguerite Hopson of Newport News, VA; and a brother, Clarence Hopson, Jr., of Dalton, GA.
Born April 4, 1945 in Newport News, VA, Judy was a graduate of Warwick High School in Newport News and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she was active in the Drama department and earned a BA in drama and speech.
Judy taught drama, speech and humanities at Denbigh High School in Newport News, where she and a coworker wrote and team-taught the first Humanities course in the Commonwealth of Virginia. When David returned to civilian life from the U.S. Army, they moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, where Judy became a full-time homemaker and a "professional volunteer." A Candy Striper as a teenager, she found her calling in hospital volunteer work, rising to the Presidency of the hospital auxiliary for a major teaching hospital in Erie, and serving on its Institutional Review Board, including a term as the Chair.
Judy was an avid duplicate bridge player, earning her certification as a Director by the American Contract Bridge League. She shared her love of bridge with others by teaching classes and running as many games as she could manage. She was an accomplished cook who viewed the kitchen as her "playground" and enjoyed sharing her enjoyment through entertaining friends and family.
Judy enjoyed singing, and was a member of the church choir everywhere she lived. She also often directed children?s choirs and special musical events in her churches.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25 at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Drive, Moneta, VA 24121.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Memorial Music Fund of Trinity Ecumenical Parish, or to the cancer research charity of one?s choice. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
She is survived by her husband of almost 47 years, David Reeves Phelps of Moneta, VA; daughter, Melissa Phelps Firestone (Jonathan) of Broadlands, VA; son, Steven David Phelps (Sabrina Shugars) of Fairview Heights, IL; six grandchildren, Hunter, Kelsi, Ashtin, Abigail, Caroline and Caithen; brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Christine Phelps; "sister by marriage", Marguerite Hopson; four nieces and nephews, Debbie, Kim, James and Michael; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous cousins.
She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Marguerite Hopson of Newport News, VA; and a brother, Clarence Hopson, Jr., of Dalton, GA.
Born April 4, 1945 in Newport News, VA, Judy was a graduate of Warwick High School in Newport News and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she was active in the Drama department and earned a BA in drama and speech.
Judy taught drama, speech and humanities at Denbigh High School in Newport News, where she and a coworker wrote and team-taught the first Humanities course in the Commonwealth of Virginia. When David returned to civilian life from the U.S. Army, they moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, where Judy became a full-time homemaker and a "professional volunteer." A Candy Striper as a teenager, she found her calling in hospital volunteer work, rising to the Presidency of the hospital auxiliary for a major teaching hospital in Erie, and serving on its Institutional Review Board, including a term as the Chair.
Judy was an avid duplicate bridge player, earning her certification as a Director by the American Contract Bridge League. She shared her love of bridge with others by teaching classes and running as many games as she could manage. She was an accomplished cook who viewed the kitchen as her "playground" and enjoyed sharing her enjoyment through entertaining friends and family.
Judy enjoyed singing, and was a member of the church choir everywhere she lived. She also often directed children?s choirs and special musical events in her churches.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25 at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Drive, Moneta, VA 24121.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Memorial Music Fund of Trinity Ecumenical Parish, or to the cancer research charity of one?s choice. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Judith Hopson Phelps, please visit our flower store.
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