Judy Elaine Pickler

Judy Pickler, formerly of Dresden, walked into the loving arms of Jesus on January 9, 2025 at The Waters of McKenzie. She was 77. Born in Akron, Ohio on June 9, 1947, she rounded out her family as the only daughter.

Later they moved to Hohenwald, TN, where she grew up and graduated from Lewis County High School in 1965. Despite her short height, she had a big personality and she proudly served as The Panthers girls basketball team Manager and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. 

On August 24, 1969, she wed Jimmie Gene Pickler, a member of the US Army after he returned from Vietnam. They were married just shy of 50 years. During their life together, they went many places and they faced everything together. Raised Methodist, she joined the Baptist faith after marriage. 

Along her journey of life she worked many places and made many friends. One of her proudest moments was graduating nursing school and then becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, which allowed her to compassionately tend to numerous people with love and care. 

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Marshall L. Turner of Ohio, a Navy Veteran; mother, Freeda Turner (nee Tatum) of Hohenwald, whom she idolized; son, Anthony Lee Pickler of Paducah who shared her love of the movies and music, passed away in September 2024; older brothers, William (Bill) of Navarre, Florida and Jack Turner of Hohenwald both of whom married women, Jacqueline (Jackie) and Barbara (Barb) who also preceded her in death and she shared; mother-in-law, Ruby Pickler (nee Tucker) of Gleason with whom she had a special loving relationship; and brother-in-law, Roger Pickler of Gleason, who she loved like her own brother. 

Left to remember her are her daughter, Alicia Kay Mayo, who she proudly graduated from nursing school with and her husband, Terry of Humboldt, who she proudly considered her son; daughter-in-law, Austin Pickler of Paducah, Kentucky, who she loved like another daughter; brother, Dr. Jerry Turner of Hohenwald, with whom she shared many loving memories; and sisters-in-law, Brenda Stafford of Greenfield and Karen Calhoun (Jerry) of Union City, who she loved as sisters. 

She also leaves behind a granddaughter, Elizabeth, who she loved being Nana to. Fiercely proud of her family she also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly. Two special people, Jill Scott (nee Hudson) of Paris who is her daughter's first best friend and her “other daughter” and Diana Sykes of Iraan, Texas, whom she met as a co-worker and they became best friends. As well as many friends, from former classmates to former co-workers to church family and neighbors. 

Medina Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of her cremation. Dates for a Celebration of Life in Hohenwald will be announced at a later date and is planned to occur in the spring. A west Tennessee Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.