Judy Lee Wade

Judy Lee Wade, 73, of Lenoir went to be with the Lord peacefully, on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Amorem Hospice, Hudson, N.C. She was born in Caldwell County to Joe & Marion Andrews Cooke on March 7, 1950. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Joe Cooke, grandparents Oliver & Effie Cook and Steele & Martha Andrews, sister, Frances Little, aunt, Margie Hall and uncle, Pete Andrews.

She is survived by her mother, Marion Cooke of Lenoir, son Steven “Shawn” Smith and granddaughter Isabella “Bella” Rayne Smith, of Pearl, Mississippi and sister, Diane Weeks & husband Ronnie of Lenoir. Judy is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. One niece particularly, Wendy Suddreth, handled Judy’s affairs along with her best friend for over 50 years, Sylvia Gilliland, both of Lenoir. Special thanks to Judy’s friends, so loyal, helpful and attentive during her time of declining health--Brenda, Teresa, Sue, Ellen, Edie, Mitzi and Deborah.

Judy graduated from Lenoir High School in 1968, worked for 11 years at Southern Bell, then completed her higher education at ASU, to become a teacher in the Caldwell County School System before moving to Mississippi.  In 2016 she returned to her home town of Lenoir.

She loved traveling, visiting her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains, playing games and spending time with family and friends. Her granddaughter Bella was the light of her life. She also loved her Lord and Savior! She said frequently that she was ready to go be with Jesus!

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024 at First Baptist Church, 304 Main St.
NW, Lenoir, NC. Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Josh Hughes will
officiate. A live-stream will be recorded. It may be watched live or later at www.fbclenoir.com. To access
the video, click on the 3 bars at top right, then click on LIVE-STREAM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital via mail at  ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org.

Evans Funeral Service is serving the family.  Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfuneralservice.com. Burial will be in Belleview Cemetery in Lenoir.