JUDY GOLDEN's Obituary
PERRY –
Judith Ann “Judy” Smith Golden passed away peacefully on Friday August 22, 2025, after an extended illness. She was 80 years old. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Perry Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., and the funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to the Perry Public Library, 1201 Washington Street, Perry, GA 31069.
Judy was born in Perry on July 19, 1945, to the late H.E. “Gene” and Ann Gordy Smith. She was a lifetime resident of Perry and graduated from Perry High School in 1963. She continued her education at The Women’s College of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. After teaching history for a few years, Judy returned to college to pursue a Master’s Degree in Library Science, which she earned from Emory University. After a short time in the Middle Georgia Regional Library system, Judy returned to Houston County to begin a career as the Director of the Houston County Library System in 1976. Through dedication and vision, she transformed the library system into a vibrant center of discovery and inclusion for readers of all ages. Judy retired from the Houston County Library System in 2006.
She was passionate about literacy and encouraging children of all ages to enjoy reading, and her job was perfect for sharing her passion. Judy was a long-time member of the Muse Book Club and a member of the Idaka Club of Perry. Additionally, she was one of the first female members of the Perry Kiwanis Club. Having lived in Perry all of her life, Judy had experienced many of the changes that Perry has undergone through the years, and she enjoyed sharing stories of the local history. Volunteering with the Perry Historical Society gave her an opportunity to re-tell many of the stories and experiences from years past. Judy was a member of Perry Methodist Church, the Christadelphian Sunday School Class, and a former member of the Sanctuary Choir. She loved her church and her church family and was saddened when her health would no longer allow her to attend.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Stephen Smith.
Left to cherish the memories they made with Judy are her loving and devoted husband of fifty-seven years, James Winbon Golden of Perry; her son and daughter-in-law, Vince and Peggy Golden of Perry; her daughter and son-in-law, Johanna and Ben Goff of Perry; her grandchildren, Charlie Golden, Sarah Claire Golden, and James Goff, all of Perry; and several nieces and nephews.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of JUDY?
What’s a lesson you learned from JUDY?
Share a story where JUDY's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with JUDY you’ll never forget.
How did JUDY make you smile?
