Judith "Judy" Evans Gooding

Judith “Judy” Evans Gooding of Springfield, Illinois passed away at her home on November 13, 2023 surrounded by her family and her constant companion Emmy (her cat). Judy and her identical twin sister were born January 24th,1941 in Caledonia, Minnesota to LaVonne Emholtz Evans and Thomas Robert Evans. They moved to St Paul, MN the following year where they remained until 1956 when the family relocated to Springfield, Illinois.

Judy graduated from Springfield High School in 1959, attended Southern Illinois University for three years and graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She married Jack L Gooding, Jr. in 1962, he proceeded her in death in 2019. Judy taught third grade at Rochester Elementary from 1967 to 1972. The family moved to Carbondale, IL for three years, then to Chatham in 1975 before returning to Springfield in 1988.

Judy worked for the House of Representatives Minority Leaders office as a Fiscal Officer from 1975 to 1991, and then as Fiscal Officer for the Legislative Printing unit until her retirement in 2003. She also worked as a wedding planner for thirty years, as well as a District Manager for House of Lloyd’s Christmas Around the World for a few years.

While in Carbondale, Judy became involved with the Jaycees and served as president. Upon moving to Chatham, she once again became heavily involved in the community, serving on numerous committees, as well as, as president for the Chatham Women of Tomorrow, a community service organization.

Judy enjoyed bowling, teaching, swimming, needlepoint, and other crafts. Her love of cooking led her to hosting frequent parties for family and friends at her home. Her greatest joy was doing crafts with her granddaughter, JacLyn.

Judy is survived by her daughter JoLynn Crain of Springfield IL, son Jay Gooding (Kim) of Girard IL, brother G. Edward Evans of Flagstaff AZ, twin sister Julie A. Jared of Highlands NC, grandchildren JacLyn Crain, Brittani Emmett, Shelby Padilla, Kerstie McCurly (Cory), and five great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Monday November 20, 2023 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, with burial to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 2:00pm until 4:00pm on Sunday November 19, 2023 at Bisch West. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society and condolences may be left at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.