Judith A. Parker

Judith Arlene Parker, 86, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 1:57 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. – noon Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Shelbyville First United Methodist Church, 205 West Main Street, Shelbyville, IL, 62565. A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon on Tuesday, August 4th in the church, with Pastors Jonathan Tarman and Michael Madden officiating. A meal will be provided in the fellowship hall, following the service. Memorials may be given to the Shelbyville First United Methodist Church or the Shelbyville First United Methodist Church Food Pantry. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.

Judith was born on July 5, 1940, in Dearborn, MI, the daughter of Garold Clifford and Olive Mahala (Short) Woodard. Judy was a cheerleader at Shelbyville High School, graduating in the Class of 1958. She continued her education at Eastern Illinois University, earning both her bachelor's and master’s degrees. She taught her entire career at Kansas Elementary School, in Kansas, IL. She married Richard “Dick” Parker on July 2, 1977, in Charleston, IL. In 1990, Judy joined Dick at the Villa Grove Pharmacy, working there until 2001. Dick and Judy moved to Shelbyville and enjoyed traveling, fishing at their lake, playing cards, and attending concerts and plays. Judy was a member of Shelbyville First United Methodist Church and attended Sanlando United Methodist Church in Longwood, FL, during the winters. Judy loved the Florida ocean sunsets and shelling on the beach. Judy will also be remembered for singing, playing the piano, and taking time to visit family and friends.

Judy is survived by her three daughters, Pamela Richardson (Myron) of Longwood, FL, Paula Highland (Neal) of Lindenhurst, IL, and Patricia Cash (Brad) of Sparta, IL; four sons, Michael Parker (Lori) of Phoenix. AZ, Theodore Parker (Kathy) of Saipan, MP, Charles Parker of Marshall, IL, and David Parker (Melissa) of Newburgh, IN; 14 grandchildren, Ryan Richardson (Randi), Kelsie Hunt (Gary), Matt Richardson (Amanda), Zac Highland, Andrew Highland (Alexis), Lindsay Bollman (Daniel), Shannon Cash (Jon), Josh Parker (Tina), Alex Parker (Fa), Katie Parker, Brandon Parker (Devon), and Samantha Parker; and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Lewis Allen Robertson; and brother, Phil Woodard.