Judith Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our mom, Judy Smith. She passed away peacefully at her home on November 29th, 2024. Services will be held Tuesday, December 3rd at 1:00pm at Central Church of Christ in Gering, Nebraska. Viewing will be held on Monday December 2nd from 4-6pm at Gering Memorial Chapel with the family in attendance. Memorials may be made in Judy’s honor to the Scottsbluff/Gering Teammates Mentoring Program or to Central Church of Christ for youth programs and church camp.

Judy was born in Scottsbluff Nebraska on October 8th, 1943, the youngest child of John C. And Verna Hawkins. Judy attended Gering Public Schools beginning in kindergarten and graduated with the GHS Class of 1962. Judy then attended Chadron State College, earning her bachelors degree in education with an endorsement in special education, graduating in 1965.

In high school she met the love of her life, Giles Smith and they married on July 10, 1965. After Giles completed his college degree at Peru State, they returned to Gering where they resided throughout their lives.

She began her career in education with teaching kindergarten in Talmage Nebraska. She continued on with teaching resource and special education at Gering Public Schools and finally retiring as the Director of the Independent Learning and Assessment Center at Western Nebraska Community College. Judy loved her career in education and had a heart for literally every student she taught whether they were in kindergarten, college or anywhere in between. The patience and passion for her students to be successful in whatever capacity in her career was second to none as was evident by the number of letters of “thank you” she received thru-out her career.

Judy’s faith was boundless. She loved Jesus, prayed often and loved people unconditionally. She loved her family first and foremost. She loved attending her kids and grandkids activities whenever possible but personal time with any one of them completely warmed her heart. Friends were in abundance in Judy’s life and those relationships she nurtured until the very end. Judy was an active member and past president of PEO chapter GI, current member of the Theater West board and served her church well in various capacities thru out her life.

Judy is survived by her children: Marc of Scottsbluff, Jennifer of Gering and Josh of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren: Shane (Madison) Smith of Scottsbluff, Tyler Smith of Scottsbluff and Regan Smith of Burwell, NE. Great Granddaughter: Sutton Smith of Scottsbluff. Uncle Eddie (Ovetta) Vermillion of Oklahoma, Nephews: Steve (Ginger) Elliott of Palmer Alaska, Vic (Lori) Hawkins of Gering, Aaron (Laura) Smith of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Adrian (Andrea) Smith of Gering. Nieces: Nancy Elliott of Sun City, Arizona and Kelly Brown of Alliance, NE. Also survived by 2 great nephews Gabe Elliott and Zeke Smith who stole her heart from the day she met them as well as several other great great nephews and nieces and extended family.

Preceded in death by her parents, John C and Verna Hawkins, husband Giles, in-laws Ward and Mary Smith, brother Jack Hawkins, sister Mary Lou Elliott and nephew John Elliott.

Please visit www.GeringMemorialChapel.com to leave a condolence and share photo memories.