Judy Ann Lerro was a South Florida original- born in Lake Worth on May 14th, 1942, at a small midwife delivery center- that building is still part of the diverse downtown architecture, right on Lake Ave. Raised by her grandparents ( her mother had died weeks after a complicated birth), she shared fond childhood memories of exploring the community on her bike, riding around downtown Lake Worth, saving money for afternoon movie matinees at the Lake Worth Playhouse, and as a younger child, sometimes accompanying her beloved, old Grandpa Charlie in “running errands” (that 5 year old that was occasionally seen tap dancing on the bar- that might have been her).
After meeting the love of her life during Senior year (1959-1960) at Lake Worth High School, she briefly dated and soon married Richard Lerro (after bringing him to church with her, of course), beginning their life together- soon moving to middle Tennessee, where Richard served in the Air Force as a jet-engine mechanic. A few years later, the young couple returned to sunny South Florida with their 2 year old son; never again moving away from Palm Beach County.
Like her husband, Judy was a relentless learner- her interests and talents quickly developed right along with their growing family. With almost no culinary experience, she not only learned to cook largely on her own, but eventually gleaned from Richard’s mother (Grandma Caroline) the art of preparing many Italian classic meals (she learned from the best, and then made the dishes her own). As a Cub Scout Den Leader, Mom soon was leading arts and crafts projects, costume making, and many other skills she later shared with her Bible Class students at the 10th Ave. Church of Christ. Although a stay-at-home-mom for several years, Sister Lerro also filled her weeks with Dorcus-like acts of love and kindness, especially for seniors and chronically ill folks from church: transporting them to medical appointments, the grocery store, helping them clean, or trying to provide whatever was needed. Over the years, Judy became more and more actively involved in coordinating Bible School Education efforts, VBS, the Joy Bus Ministry, and more. She was an active and long-term member of the Suncoast Christian Academy School Board until just last year.
Professionally, Mom went from Avon lady extraordinaire to school crossing guard, to Church Secretary. She eventually joined the School District of PBC as a secretary in Federal Programs- she enjoyed the both the work and the people there, and later transferred to Testing and Evaluation, where she worked for many years. Typically undaunted by the challenges of trying something totally new, she accepted the calls to support her coworkers and her profession by joining ASOP, the school paraprofessionals union. Judy soon took on leadership roles including ASOP President and other posts; as well as advocating for rank and file (non-teaching school workers) in negotiations with the School District over pay and working conditions; discipline hearings, and much more. It probably wasn’t much of a stretch, as she was already used to helping, encouraging, and standing up for others.
To us, she was our beloved Mom and Grandma… but to countless others, she was also a Teacher, Education Coordinator, Mentor, Advocate, Leader, Example, Booster, and Friend of old and young.
Richard Joseph Lerro, Jr., 81, and Judy Ann (Ross) Lerro, 80, passed away together on November 5, 2022.
Richard graduated from Lake Worth High School in 1959 and Judy in 1960. Shortly after graduation they married on October 22, 1961.
Richard was preceded in death by his mother, Caroline Walpole and his father, Richard Joseph Lerro, Sr. Judy was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ruth and Walter Ross. They were both preceded in death by their son, Michael Lerro. They are survived by three children: Robert (Cheryl), Stephen (Phyllis) and Julie (Lawrence) Williams, Richard’s sister, Sara Walpole, and brother, Marc Lerro, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Richard retired from his job as a plasterer and Judy as a secretary for the School District of Palm Beach County.
Together they lived their lives built on the principals of Christ. Richard and Judy worked tirelessly throughout the years in mission work and education, teaching many children and adults the gospel.
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