Judy Bess

Marie Judith Bess of Maryville, Tennessee went home to be with Jesus on July 12, 2019 at age 77. Judy was known for her love for people, gift in building relationships, organizational skills, creativity and fun nature. She lived each day with an eternal perspective which was evident in how she interacted with people and prioritized her time and activities. There were many people and organizations that benefited from her time, talent and resources as she devoted her life to living out her calling from the Lord Jesus. Judy was involved in Christian faith-based organizations throughout her life and found joy in serving others. She held various positions at churches and inner-city ministries and volunteered much of her time serving the poor and elderly. She was known for her ability to lead, organize and bring fun to any gathering from family occasions to community events. Judy was predeceased by her parents, Emmett and Gladys Lain. She is survived by her husband, Sam, her sister Patricia Wilkinson, her daughter, Sara Hay (Bryan) and her grandchildren, Taylor and Parker. A Celebration of Life party will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Alcoa First United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 20th at 11:30. Please come prepared to share your favorite Judy stories. Dress will be casual in your brightest yellow and red (her favorite colors), wear a fun hat or anything that you think she would get a good laugh out of. As you knew her, life was always about fun!