Judy Gillingham's Obituary
Judith "Judy" Gillingham (August 3, 1940 - March 8, 2024)
Judy Gillingham, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 8, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on August 3, 1940, in Miami, Florida, to Andrew Tyer Sawyer and Charlotte Williams Sawyer, Judy spent her formative years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Judy's life was a testament to love, compassion, and faith. She graduated from Northwestern University near Chicago, where she met her soulmate and husband of 60 years, Dr. William "Bill" Gillingham. At the tender age of 21, their journey together began, a journey marked by unwavering devotion and mutual respect. They married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 29th, 1963, when Judy was 23.
Judy was a dedicated and gifted elementary school teacher, touching the lives of countless 2nd and 4th-grade students at Andersen Elementary in the Union School District. Her classroom was a place of warmth and encouragement, where every child felt valued and inspired to reach their full potential. Her approachable demeanor and genuine kindness made her the most requested teacher in the district.
Judy's love for music, particularly the soulful melodies of Andre Couch and the Gaithers, reflected her vibrant spirit and appreciation for life's beauty. But above all, her faith was her guiding light. As a devoted member of Abiding Harvest Church for over 20 years, Judy lived out her faith with grace and humility, always extending a hand of compassion to those in need and sharing the message of Jesus with everyone she met. She lived in her God-given essence everyday of her life. Judy would have loved to see everyone come to Jesus. She never met a stranger, and she talked to everyone she encountered with love.
As a dedicated homemaker, Judy cherished her role within her family. Her unwavering love and support nurtured her two children, Wendy Shirk and Todd Gillingham, who followed in their father's footsteps as doctors. Despite facing adversity in sickness, Judy remained compassionate, loving, and caring even in the darkest of times.
Judy leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Bill Gillingham; her daughter, Dr. Wendy Shirk, and her husband, Steve Shirk, her son, Dr. Todd Gillingham, and his wife, Dr. Melanie Gillingham; grandchildren Tyler Shirk and wife, Dr. Erin Shirk, Holly Pandian and husband, Dr. Jesse Pandian, Abby Gillingham, and Anna Gillingham; and great-grandchildren Robin Shirk, age 2, Noah Pandian, age 2, and Sylvie Shirk, age 6 months.
In her passing, Judy is reunited with her beloved son, Douglas Kent Gillingham, who preceded her in death. Though she may be gone from our sight, Judy's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, forever cherished and deeply missed.
Celebration of Life service will be on April 12th at 3 pm at Abiding Harvest church,
4407 S Olive Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74011
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Emerge Mom's ministry.
www.emergehopeandhelp.org or
Mail a check in honor of Judy to:
Emerge Global
8263 S Harvard Ave
#122
Tulsa, OK 74137
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