Judith Mae Billingsley

Judith Mae Brown Billingsley, 74, of Utica, went to be with her Lord at 5: 30 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at her home with her loving husband, son and family at her side, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease and Lewy body Dementia.

Judy was born in Franklin, PA on March 2, 1943 to late Elmer and Mildred Brown.

Judy spent her elementary school years at Cooperstown Elementary, then she furthered her education at Rocky Grove High School where she graduated as Valedictorian of her class. Judy went on to further her education and enrolled in the R.N. program at the former Meadville Hospital, where she graduated in September of 1964, and then went on to pass her State Boards in Nursing.

Judy worked for many years at the former Franklin Hospital as a nurse in the O.B. Department. While still working at the Franklin Hospital, Judy was asked to fill a temporary position at the Venango County Home, however that position turned into a full time job, which lead her to her position as head nurse at the Venango County Home. Judy continued her career as a nurse, and went on to become the Director of Nursing, and later, after completing her Degree in Administration, she became the Administrator for the Venango County Home. Judy was highly influential in the building and construction of the Sugar Creek Station Nursing Home. Judy retired from her 25 year career in nursing in 2009 from UPMC Northwest, due to physical ailments following the death of her beloved daughter, Jody.

Judy met the love of her life, Leon Billingsley, while in 4-H Choir and on various trips to the skating rink in Titusville, PA. In 1963 Leon and Judy were engaged while he was home from leave of his services in the Army, and upon discharge from the Army they were married on June 27, 1964 at the Sugar Lake United Brethren Church by Rev. Lynol Sayers and Leon's father, Rev. Wilbert Billingsley.

Judy was survived by her husband of 53 years, Leon Billingsley; a son, Leon Billingsley, II, and his wife, Christina; two grandchildren, Alexander and Lauren. She is also survived by her siblings, William (Bill) Brown, Dorothy Brenoel, Virginia Simons, Sam and Dorcus Brown, her brother-in-law Robert Billingsley and wife Peg; and a sister-in-law, Louise Bock; a maternal Aunt, Peg Messerall; a paternal Aunt, Ruth Shay; an Uncle, Homer Shay and many nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her only daughter, Jody Ray Billingsley, her parents, Elmer and Mildred Brown, her father and mother-in-law, Rev. Wilbert Billingsley and Leona Billingsley, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Judy will be laid rest beside her beloved daughter in Mill Creek Cemetery, Frenchcreek Township, Venango County.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin, where family and friends are welcome from 1:00 - 3:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Wednesday and from 11:00 A.M. - 11:45 A.M. Thursday.

A funeral service will be held at Noon Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Doug Messerall, a retired Bapitist Minister, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jody Ray Billingsley Athletic Scholarship c/o Community Foundation 7 West State St. Sharon, PA 16146.

Online condolences and flowers may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com.