On Thursday, October 22, 2020, Dr. Judy Harris Hulsey was called to her Heavenly Home. She was born in Lavonia on November 1, 1944 to the late James 'J.C.' and Belva Gillespie Harris. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved sister Betty Harris Morris.
Judy was a 1962 graduate of Lavonia High School and a 1963 graduate of North Georgia Technical College's Cosmetology Program. She later earned a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia. She held many leadership positions in her professional career including president of North Georgia Technical College. During her career, she was the first female to hold a leadership/supervisory position in a technical college, the first female technical college president(Carroll Technical College), and she was instrumental in developing the first satellite campuses and online instructional programs in Georgia's technical college system.
Following retirement, Judy returned to Lavonia and quickly became very active in the community. She developed several grants, helped to establish the Lavonia Community Garden, and was a driving force behind the Land of Spirit folk life plays. Judy served in many civic organizations, including the United Daughters of the Confederacy of Lavonia, Welcome Neighbors, and the Lavonia Garden Club.
Judy authored and/or compiled 48 books and was an avid amateur photographer, with prints on display in St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital and many area businesses and homes. She was a member of the Lavonia First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years: Walter Kenneth Hulsey; nephews: James (Marjory) Morris, Brian Morris, Stephen Maxwell, Thomas Maxwell, Jeffrey Ginn, Brian Ginn, Kevin Ginn Michael Ginn, Barry Bryant, Marty Bryant, Kendall Payne, Scott Hulsey, and Gary Hulsey; nieces: Janet Clayton, Susan Kesler, Christi Sanders, and Patti Haley; many grand nieces and nephews; lifelong friend: Sue Humphrey; and many other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia with Rev. Dr. Hugh Hendrickson officiating. Burial will follow in the Lavonia City – Burgess Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Lavonia First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 176, Lavonia, GA 30553.
Those in attendance are reminded to adhere to social distancing and public health guidelines. To sign the online guest register and leave personal condolences to the family, please visit stricklandfh.com.
Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements.